Total Solar Eclipse - 5 Unique Things You'll See

news image
Special Stories
8 Apr 2024 5:55 PM

Here is a way to TRACK your time in the eclipse thanks to NASA

A total eclipse is coming to North America on April 8th, cutting a path of totality from central Texas to the Northeast over an hour.  A SOLAR eclipse happens when the Moon is positioned between the Sun and Earth blocking out the sun’s light. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk, and animals might mistake it for nighttime.  

A couple of cool events happen during a total eclipse:

  1. About 2 minutes before totality, shadow bands form on white or light-colored surfaces. They are rippling waves of light and darkness that give a “movie-esq” effect.

  2. No matter where you're watching from in the U.S., all of us will see some level of eclipse coverage. Instead of looking, up, turn your gaze down, and you’ll see tiny crescent shadows on the ground! That is the shadow of the moon in front of the sun.  

  3. About a minute before totality, you can see Baily’s Beads, a bright gleam of light on one side of the moon. 

  4. During a total solar eclipse, people in the path of totality can use eclipse glasses to see the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere which is usually not visible due to the sun’s brightness. 

  5. You may also see pink around the edges of the moon, known as prominences. This is part of the Sun’s atmosphere!

     

During this solar eclipse, those in the path of totality will be in darkness for an average of 3 ½ to 4 minutes, which is close to double the time of darkness during the solar eclipse in 2017. For the latest on the solar eclipse and potential weather impacts, join WeatherNation in the days leading up to April 8th! More Articles:

How Rare are Total Solar Eclipses

5 Things You Need to Know About the Eclipse

How to Contribute to Science During the Eclipse

Eclipse Safety

Hearing the Eclipse

All Weather News
More
End of Year Travel Expected to Break Records

End of Year Travel Expected to Break Records

As 2025 comes to an end, many people are expe

19 Dec 2025 3:05 AM
ATMOSPHERIC RIVER: Winds Topping 100 MPH In the Northwest

ATMOSPHERIC RIVER: Winds Topping 100 MPH In the Northwest

NORTHWEST - A state of emergency was declared

19 Dec 2025 3:00 AM
Heavy Rain an Snow Moves Into California Next Week

Heavy Rain an Snow Moves Into California Next Week

As the Northwest eagerly awaits drier times,

19 Dec 2025 3:00 AM
Returning Back to the Freezer This Week

Returning Back to the Freezer This Week

It's been a cold start to the week for millio

19 Dec 2025 2:55 AM
Record Warmth Out West Continues

Record Warmth Out West Continues

Unseasonably warm temperatures are continuing

18 Dec 2025 9:05 PM
Messy System Moving into the Midwest

Messy System Moving into the Midwest

NORTHERN PLAINS - A low-pressure system origi

18 Dec 2025 11:45 AM
West Facing Record Low Snow Levels

West Facing Record Low Snow Levels

Does it feel like deja vu? This persistent pa

18 Dec 2025 1:25 AM