On April 8, 2024, a spectacular and rare celestial event is set to unfold over Canada, the United States and Mexico – a total solar eclipse. As the Moon aligns perfectly between Earth and the Sun, temporary darkness will sweep across parts of the country, captivating countless spectators.

  • eletes@sh.itjust.works
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    9 months ago

    If you’ve never experienced totality, I highly encourage you to go. The difference between being in the shadow vs out of it makes all the difference. 1-99% eclipse is basically the same vs 100%

    • i_love_FFT@lemmy.ml
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      9 months ago

      Here’s a couple of differences: With totality, the stars become visible again. The darkness is such that air temperature drops like at sunset. Birds stop signing, and insects start chirping. Also, i think you can see the sun’s corona. While the sun is totally blocked, you can look at it with naked eyes.

      I’m not sure how much of this occurs with a 95% eclipse… I would encourage anyone to go to the nearest place to see totality. I will personally visit family living 2 hours drive away to be in the totality zone.

        • stelelor@lemmy.ca
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          9 months ago

          Yes. In totality, you can safely stare at a black hole of a Sun for 2-3 minutes on end, no glasses required, and marvel at the fine details of the corona and the intense red-pink light of the chromosphere. You get to experience a profound bone-chilling realization that we are on a literal rock hurtling through space.

        • i_love_FFT@lemmy.ml
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          9 months ago

          I have not seen a total one since i was a small kid, so I can’t really say… Totality will have these things last longer, but I’m sure there is no clear-cut difference.