As anticipation for the eclipse mounts, millions across North America are eager to witness around four minutes of total darkness on Monday as the Moon obstructs the Sun’s light. For many, this brief window presents a unique opportunity to conduct scientific experiments, offering insights into the mysteries of our universe.
Researchers are planning various endeavors, from launching rockets into the eclipse’s path to observing animal behavior in zoos and monitoring radio signals worldwide. Even non-scientists can participate in this event, though unforeseen challenges such as solar flares or cloud cover could disrupt plans.
Professor Adam Hartstone-Rose from North Carolina State University will be stationed at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas, observing animals ranging from gorillas to giraffes to Galapagos turtles. During the 2017 eclipse, unexpected behaviors, such as turtle mating, were observed. Many animals displayed anxious responses to the sudden darkness, with flamingos gathering their chicks and gorillas initiating bedtime routines as their circadian rhythms were disrupted.
The eclipse presents an opportunity for citizen science, encouraging people to report any unusual animal behaviors they observe during the event. These observations will contribute to ongoing research, with immediate results expected and findings published shortly after the eclipse.
As darkness descends on parts of North America, scientists will focus on studying the Sun’s atmosphere, known as the corona, a part of the Sun that has puzzled researchers for centuries. Composed of magnetized plasma and boasting temperatures exceeding a million degrees Celsius, the corona holds valuable insights into solar phenomena.