2024 solar eclipse darkens sky for millions across U.S. | Special Report

CBS News・2 minutes read

A total solar eclipse occurred in 1979 and will happen again in 2017, offering a rare and shared experience that unites people in wonder and awe. The event is precise and significant for astronomers, showcasing the scale of astronomical phenomena and fostering a shared appreciation of the sky.

Insights

  • The total eclipse of the sun is a rare astronomical event where the Moon completely blocks the Sun, creating darkness during the day, fostering a shared experience of wonder and awe among thousands of people, including astronomers and enthusiasts.
  • Safety is paramount during the eclipse, requiring certified solar filter glasses or handheld solar viewers to observe the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun, with the event providing a unique opportunity to witness the Sun's magnetic field, plasma, and prominences, fostering a collective appreciation for the sky and inspiring the next generation of astronomers.

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Recent questions

  • What is a total solar eclipse?

    A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely blocks the Sun, creating darkness in the middle of the day. This rare event is a shared experience that brings together astronomers, enthusiasts, and the general public to witness the Sun being obscured by the Moon, revealing the Sun's outer atmosphere known as the corona.

  • How does weather impact viewing a solar eclipse?

    Weather plays a crucial role in viewing a solar eclipse, as clouds can affect visibility. Clear skies are essential for observing the eclipse, as any obstruction can hinder the experience of witnessing the Moon passing in front of the Sun and creating darkness during the day.

  • What safety measures are needed to view a solar eclipse?

    Safety is crucial during a solar eclipse, and certified solar filter glasses or handheld solar viewers are necessary for viewing the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun. These protective eyewear ensure that observers can safely witness the eclipse without damaging their eyes from the intense sunlight.

  • Why is the eclipse significant for astronomers?

    The total solar eclipse is significant for the next generation of astronomers as it fosters a shared appreciation of the sky and celestial events. Witnessing the eclipse provides a unique opportunity to observe astronomical phenomena, such as the Sun's magnetic field and plasma, and inspires individuals to pursue a career in science.

  • What are some signs that indicate an eclipse is approaching?

    Signs of a solar eclipse approaching include a darkening sky, dropping temperatures, and the Moon's shadow racing towards observers. These natural phenomena signal the onset of the eclipse, creating a sense of anticipation and wonder as darkness descends during the day, followed by the gradual return of light.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Total Solar Eclipse: America's Celestial Event"

  • CBS News special report on the total eclipse of the sun in America
  • Total eclipse of the sun occurred in 1979 and will happen again in 2017
  • Last total eclipse of the Sun for North America until 2017
  • Next total solar eclipse visible in the continental US is April 8th, 2024
  • Path of totality enters the US in Texas and stretches to Maine, 100 miles wide
  • At least a partial eclipse visible everywhere in the Continental US
  • 31 million people live inside the path of totality, 150 million within 200 miles
  • Corona is the outer atmosphere of the sun, millions of degrees hot
  • Weather plays a crucial role in viewing the eclipse, clouds can affect visibility
  • Americans travel to places inside the path of totality for a perfect glimpse of the eclipse, like kville near San Antonio, Texas

14:36

"Rare solar eclipse unites astronomers and enthusiasts"

  • A total solar eclipse is a rare event where the Moon completely blocks the Sun, creating darkness in the middle of the day.
  • The eclipse is a shared experience, with thousands of people gathering to witness it, including astronomers and enthusiasts.
  • The event is precise, with astronomers predicting it within a hundredth of a second, showcasing the scale of astronomical phenomena.
  • The eclipse reveals the Sun's magnetic field and plasma trapped within it, with a prominence the size of Earth visible.
  • The Sun's fusion reaction converts hydrogen into helium, generating energy and sustaining life on Earth.
  • Witnessing the eclipse is significant for the next generation of astronomers, fostering a shared appreciation of the sky.
  • Signs of the eclipse approaching include a darkening sky, dropping temperatures, and the Moon's shadow racing towards observers.
  • Safety is crucial during the eclipse, with certified solar filter glasses or handheld solar viewers necessary for viewing the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun.
  • Couples are tying the knot during the eclipse in cities within the path of totality, symbolizing unity as they enter darkness and emerge together.
  • Various locations in North America, like Texas, experience totality during the eclipse, with crowds witnessing the event and marveling at the darkness and the subsequent return of light.

30:51

"Rare solar eclipse unites people in wonder"

  • Meteorologists warned about an upcoming solar eclipse, with nature aligning perfectly for the event.
  • Children were present, experiencing the eclipse without distractions from cell phones.
  • The event was described as a special field trip day for many kids, offering an unobstructed view of the eclipse.
  • The hope was for children to be inspired by the eclipse and potentially pursue a career in science.
  • A mass wedding took place in Russellville, Arkansas, with couples getting married under the eclipse.
  • The newlyweds expressed their excitement and awe at the unique experience of getting married during an eclipse.
  • The eclipse was described as a spiritual and mystical moment, uniting people in wonder and awe.
  • Prominences, loops of plasma hanging off the sun, were visible during the eclipse.
  • The eclipse was a rare and special event, connecting people through time and space.
  • The totality of the eclipse was experienced in Carbondale, Illinois, with the crowd reacting with excitement and awe as darkness fell and the diamond ring effect was observed.

45:39

"Carbondale Eclipse: Unifying Spectacle of Nature"

  • The event takes place in Carbondale, Illinois, during a total solar eclipse, with the longest totality time in 2017 being 2 minutes, and in 2024 being 4 minutes and 9 seconds.
  • Carbondale is highlighted for its unique viewing experience due to the active Sun, with the next total solar eclipse not expected in the region for 300 years.
  • The event attracts over 50,000 spectators, experiencing a significant drop in temperature and calm winds during totality.
  • Observers capture the eclipse on their phones and express gratitude for the rare experience, with the community of Carbondale being welcoming and excited.
  • The eclipse is described as a unifying moment, bringing people together to witness the beauty of the Earth and the Universe.
  • Spectators witness the diamond ring effect, prominences, and planets like Venus and Jupiter during totality.
  • The atmosphere darkens significantly, with the temperature dropping and the wind picking up, creating a surreal experience.
  • The eclipse ends with the reappearance of sunlight, marking the conclusion of totality and the return to normal daylight.
  • A space expert, Captain Steve Bowen, describes the eclipse as a unique and awe-inspiring experience, emphasizing the fragility of Earth when viewed from space.
  • The event is a full sensory experience, surpassing expectations and leaving a lasting impact on observers, with the rarity and grandeur of the eclipse being emphasized.

01:00:32

Sun, Moon, and Eclipse: Celestial Wonders

  • The prominences coming off the sun are larger than Earth, and the sun is gigantic.
  • NASA websites offer explanations on sun science and space weather predictions.
  • Light from the sun takes 8 minutes to reach Earth.
  • The moon is not far away, traveling at the speed of light.
  • The moon has bumps, causing sunlight to create a unique effect.
  • A family from Atlanta experiences the eclipse, feeling overwhelmed by nature's awesomeness.
  • The eclipse at Niagara Falls surprises viewers with a magical experience despite cloudy weather.
  • Actor William Shatner describes the eclipse as overwhelming and a reminder of unity on Earth.
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