If you were in California on April 8, 2024, you were lucky enough to witness one of the most awe-inspiring celestial events: a solar eclipse! While we didn’t get the full totality here in California, the partial eclipse we experienced was still a breathtaking sight, with a significant portion of the sun covered by the moon.
What Exactly Happened During the Eclipse?
“A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth, fully or partially blocking the sun’s light in some areas.” For those directly in the “path of totality,” it can turn day into night for a brief magical moment. Though we were out of this main path, the partial eclipse still dimmed the daylight enough to create a noticeable change in the lighting.
Solar Eclipse vs. Lunar Eclipse: What’s the Difference?
A solar eclipse happens when the moon blocks the sun, as seen from Earth. On the other hand, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, and Earth’s shadow falls on the moon. Lunar eclipses can only happen during a full moon, whereas solar eclipses occur during a new moon. Solar eclipses typically last for just a few minutes in any given place, while lunar eclipses can last for several hours.
Previous Eclipses
During a total solar eclipse in 1919, astronomers photographed the event to confirm Einstein’s theory of general relativity; the photos showed that gravity can indeed bend light.
Some fun facts about eclipses:
The temperature can drop significantly during a total solar eclipse, due to the sun’s rays being blocked.
Animals can act as if it’s nighttime during a total eclipse, with birds quieting down and nocturnal animals starting their “night” activities.
Solar eclipses occur approximately every 18 months somewhere on Earth.
Experiencing the Eclipse in California
Viewing the eclipse here in California was a unique experience. Even though we weren’t in the path of totality, using solar viewing glasses allowed us to safely watch the moon take a bite out of the sun. Schools across the region turned the event into a learning opportunity, such as Canyon High School Anatomy teacher, Mrs. Jimenez. Mrs. Jimenez provided all her periods with a class set of solar viewing glasses to allow students to experience the breathtaking phenomenon.
What an incredible universe we live in. Let’s keep our eyes to the skies for the next astronomical event.
