Weird things that happen during a solar eclipse: interesting stuff you might not know

[The Blue Flower]

http://astromaven.blogspot.com/2017/06/weird-things-happen-with-total-solar_72.html?m=1

Everyone talks about how visually stunning it is when the darkened Moon fully covers the face of the Sun in a total solar eclipse. And indeed, it is! But there are other unusual, truly strange happenings that occur when the Moon passes in front of the Sun. If you aren’t prepared to look for them, some of these weird phenomena are so fleeting that you can miss them. Following are descriptions of a number of those novel occurrences to be looked for on August 21st.

Long before totality (when the Moon is only covering part of the Sun’s face), go to a nearby tree and look in the shade of the tree’s shadow. You will see hundreds of crescent images of the partially covered Sun all over the ground! In fact, this is a safe way to view all the partial phases of the eclipse without harming your eyes. Where do all these many images come from? The gaps between the tree’s leaves act like a pinhole camera by projecting the Sun’s image on the ground. Here is a photo that was shot of such a tree shadow during a previous solar eclipse:




(Above image credit and copyright Elisa Israel)

Anywhere from 60 to 90 seconds before totality or just after totality ends, closely look at any flat light-colored or white surfaces around you. You may see a very strange sight. At such times, dark lines called shadow bands may be seen racing back and forth across the surfaces. These shadowy lines are caused by sunlight peeking around mountains and through valleys around the outer rim of the Moon, while turbulence in the air makes them appear to shift position. To see a video of eclipse shadow bands, go here:

In the minutes before totality, all of your surroundings will appear dimly lit in a very strange and different way from what you experience at sunrise or sunset. Everything will seem somewhat similar to what you see when you wear very dark sunglasses, but with a kind of surreal sheen that can’t be described adequately.

[underpants]

1. The temperature drop is interesting

I didn't think of that.

[Tanuki]

2. I'm going to take my colander outside with me.....

https://m.

[dalton99a]

6. +1

[LeftInTX]

9. Easy-peasy

Someone said to use a pegboard.
Although a pegboard is probably better, I would have to buy one.

[BigmanPigman]

3. It's also interesting when you read how different people and cultures throughout history

have used an eclipse to explain, persuade, or excuse things that occur but can't be understood since science wasn't very advanced or accepted at the time.

Many people used it to their advantage and were able to fool others into believing it was "magic" or the devil's doing.

[Lisa0825]

4. I am SO FREAKING EXCITED that I will be in the path of totality for this eclipse!

This will be my first time in the totality, and I have been voraciously reading everything I see about it!

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

5. Lucky! I am really tempted to drive many miles to experience totality.

It's not really practical and probably won't happen, but it sure is tempting.

[Lisa0825]

8. One of my best friends just moved to Salem, Oregon

which is right in the path, so I decided it would be a perfect time to make my first trip to see her. *fingers crossed* for clear skies!!!

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

11. Good for you!

Best wishes for a great trip!

[longship]

7. The umbra shadow crossing the ground.

Just at the beginning (and ending) of totality the edge of the shadow of the moon can be seen crossing the ground at supersonic speed. Best seen from the vantage point of a hilltop or raised ground, it is supposedly one of the most awesome sights in a total solar eclipse. So say die hard total eclipse viewers. The temptation is to look at the sun at that time when apparently the best view is on the ground before you.

Never seen one myself. Will miss this one, too. Probably my last chance.

[Tanuki]

10. As long as you don't kick the bucket before April 8, 2024,

you could have another chance!
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_April_8,_2024