Here Are the Five Stages of Today ’ s Total Solar Eclipse

Today’s solar eclipse will plunge large swaths of the U.S. into near total darkness as 15 states witness the sun completely cover the moon.

It will enter the U.S. in Texas and exit in Maine, passing through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and parts of Tennessee and Michigan. Millions of people are expected to watch the event, which is the last time a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous United States until 2044. 
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There are five major stages of the eclipse that stargazers should be on the lookout for. Here’s what to expect. 

Stage 1: Partial eclipse begins

All 50 states in the U.S. will be able to witness a partial eclipse–but you must wear eclipse glasses to view it. During the partial eclipse, the moon’s shadow first becomes visible over the sun. The moment the moon’s shadow first touches the sun’s edge is known as “first contact.”  In most locations, the partial eclipse lasts for 70-80 minutes. 

Stage 2: “First contact” as the eclipse begins

The total eclipse begins when the sun is almost completely covered by the moon. Just before totality keep an eye out for Baily’s Beads, Shadow Bands, and the Diamond Ring.

Read More: How to Safely Watch the Total Eclipse

Baily’s Beads occur very briefly, as small beads of light be...

Source: TIME: Science - April 8, 2024 Category: Science Authors: Simmone Shah Tags: Uncategorized Eclipse News Desk storyladder Source Type: news