On April 8, the United States will be graced by a total solar eclipse, an extraordinary celestial phenomenon where the moon moves directly in front of the sun, casting a shadow over the Earth. The last total solar eclipse observable from the contiguous U.S. occurred in 2017, and another won’t take place until 2044, making this event one not to be missed!
If weather conditions allow, spectators from northeastern Maine to southwestern Texas can safely witness the eclipse with proper eyewear. Those situated within the path of totality will experience the most dramatic views. For the rest of the continental U.S., approximately 99% of the sun will still be visible during this spectacular event. Here at MIT, local viewers can observe around 93% of the sun obscured, with the partial eclipse commencing at 2:15 p.m. and reaching its peak around 3:29 p.m. Gatherings to watch the event are planned at the Kresge Oval and the MIT Museum. A live NASA stream will be broadcasted in the Building 55 atrium.
Brian Mernoff, the CommLab manager in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, is a passionate astrophotographer and science educator. Mernoff plans to travel to Vermont for a prime view of totality but has graciously shared some safety tips for enjoying the eclipse no matter your location.
Q: What can viewers anticipate during this solar eclipse?
A: Imagine you’re trying to watch your favorite show (the sun), but your pet (the moon) steps in front, blocking your view. That’s the essence of the eclipse! If you stand directly in line with the sun and moon, you get a full block; step away a bit, and the sun starts to peek out again. Those closest to the path of totality will have the darkest skies—at MIT, we expect about 93% coverage. As the eclipse unfolds, the surroundings will darken slightly, reminiscent of an overcast day. However, remember that the sun remains incredibly bright, so sufficient solar glasses are necessary to protect your eyes.
In the path of totality, the moon will completely cover the sun for a brief moment, allowing you to safely remove your glasses to gazes at the black disk—the moon—and witness the outer layer of the sun, known as the corona, glowing around it. Additionally, bright spots called Bailey’s Beads may appear as sunlight streams through lunar valleys and craters at totality’s commencement and conclusion.
Don’t forget to look around during this mystical twilight-like moment! A full circle sunset will occur, the temperature will dip, winds will shift, and wildlife may act differently. Shadows may also exhibit peculiar behaviors, so pay attention!
Q: What are the best practices for safely viewing the eclipse?
A: First and foremost, each viewer should secure a pair of solar glasses that are ISO-approved for solar viewing—damaged glasses should never be used. If you can’t find these glasses in time, consider making a DIY projection device, such as a pinhole camera or projecting the sun’s image through a colander.
While the best views will be from the path of totality, those outside this zone should still step outside to appreciate the partial eclipse. Use the NASA Eclipse Explorer for timing and find a nice shaded spot to enjoy the spectacle safely.
For a closer encounter, find a friend with a telescope outfitted with an ISO-certified solar filter for detailed observations. If a telescope isn’t available, remember that NASA will be livestreaming the event, including a large screen display at MIT’s Building 55 for public viewing regardless of the weather.
During totality, it’s the only moment you’re allowed to view the sun without a filter. As the moon begins to move, put those solar glasses back on!
Q: What about capturing photographs of the eclipse?
A: This year, I plan to photograph the eclipse two distinct ways. My first approach involves using a hydrogen-alpha telescope that captures light of a specific wavelength emitted by hydrogen. This goes beyond typical imaging, revealing solar prominences and details of the sun’s atmosphere. However, this telescope won’t be effective during totality, so I’ll also utilize a regular camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the event with the surrounding environment as a backdrop. I learned my lesson from the 2017 eclipse, where I missed the broader picture while focusing solely on the sun.
Will it be successful? That will depend on the weather and how often I’m distracted by my 1.5-year-old wanting attention!
For those wanting to photograph the eclipse, it’s crucial to protect your camera’s sensor and lens from damage. To do this with a camera phone, take pictures through a couple of solar glasses or tape them onto your device. For larger lenses, opt for cardboard filters or ISO-approved solar film to create your own filter.
Q: Can you share any intriguing facts about this eclipse?
A: If you wish to delve deeper into the eclipse, numerous citizen science projects will be gathering data during the event.
Nasa will conduct various experiments during the eclipse, and researchers from the MIT Haystack Observatory will utilize diverse technologies to observe atmospheric changes across the continent.
If you want to expand your knowledge of the eclipse, I recommend these two videos: one featuring “unexpected science from a 0.000001 megapixel homemade telescope” and another on solar eclipse preparation.
Photo credit & article inspired by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
