Tag Archives: total

Scientists Suggest Total Solar Eclipse May Prompt Dawn Behavior in Birds

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On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse interrupted the daylight cycles of North American birds as they prepared for spring breeding. Researchers at Indiana University, after analyzing over 10,000 community observations and utilizing artificial intelligence to examine nearly 100,000 bird calls, discovered that bird behavior was significantly impacted by the few minutes of unexpected afternoon darkness. More than half of the bird species altered their biological rhythms, leading many to produce dawn choruses in the aftermath of the eclipse.

Circles indicate individual observations from the SolarBird app submitted on April 8, 2024. Image courtesy of Aguilar et al., doi: 10.1126/science.adx3025.

The daily and seasonal rhythms of birds are closely regulated by variations in light and darkness.

What occurs when these cycles are abruptly disrupted, such as during a total solar eclipse?

Previous research has explored the effects of solar eclipses on animal behavior, yet many studies have only provided scattered or anecdotal insights regarding animal responses.

Indiana University researcher Liz Aguilar and her team viewed the total solar eclipse in April 2024 as a unique research opportunity, offering an unprecedented natural experiment to observe how birds react to sudden light changes.

In preparation for the solar eclipse that would cast nearly four minutes of darkness over large regions of the central and eastern United States, they developed a smartphone app called SolarBird, which allows users to document bird behaviors in real time during the eclipse.

The citizen scientists’ contributions resulted in almost 10,000 observations spanning 5,000 km along the eclipse’s path.

Simultaneously, researchers deployed autonomous recording devices across southern Indiana to capture the calls of about 100,000 birds before, during, and after the totality.

These recordings were analyzed using BirdNet, an AI system capable of identifying species calls and measuring vocal activity.

Findings revealed that 29 out of 52 species detected exhibited significant changes in their singing behavior at various points during the event, although the eclipse’s effects varied among species.

In the moments leading up to the eclipse, 11 species were found to sing more than usual as darkness approached.

During the four minutes of darkness, 12 species reacted—some becoming silent, while others increased their vocal activity.

The most notable responses were observed after the sun re-emerged, with 19 species adjusting their songs to mimic a false dawn chorus.

Notably, barred owls hooted four times more frequently than usual, while robins—renowned for their pre-dawn melodies—hooted six times more than normal.

“These patterns indicate that the solar eclipse temporarily reset the internal clocks of certain birds, causing them to act as if a new day had commenced,” the researchers stated.

Their paper was published in the October 9, 2025 edition of the journal Science.

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Liz A. Aguilar et al. 2025. Total solar eclipses trigger dawn behavior in birds: Insights from acoustic recordings and crowd science. Science 390 (6769): 152-155; doi: 10.1126/science.adx3025

Source: www.sci.news

Advanced AI Experiences “Total Accuracy Breakdown” When Confronted with Complex Issues, Research Finds

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Researchers at Apple have identified “fundamental limitations” in state-of-the-art artificial intelligence models, prompting concerns about the competitive landscape in the tech industry for developing more robust systems.

In a study, Apple noted that the advanced AI model, known as the large-scale inference model (LRMS), experienced a “complete collapse in accuracy” when faced with complex challenges.

Standard AI models outperformed LRMS on tasks of lower complexity, yet both encountered “complete collapse” on highly complex tasks. LRMS attempts to handle intricate queries by creating detailed reasoning processes to break down issues into manageable steps.


The research, which evaluated the models’ puzzle-solving capabilities, revealed that LRMS began to “reduce inference efforts” as it neared performance breakdowns—something researchers labeled as “particularly concerning.”

Gary Marcus, a noted academic voice on AI capabilities, characterized the Apple paper as “quite devastating” and highlighted that these findings raise pivotal concerns regarding the race towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), which would enable systems to emulate human-level cognitive tasks.

Referencing large language models (LLMs), Marcus remarked: “[of] AGIs, who can fundamentally change society, are joking about themselves.”

Moreover, the paper indicated that early in the “thinking” process, the inference model often squandered computational resources seeking solutions for simpler problems. However, as complexity increased, the model initially considered incorrect answers before ultimately arriving at correct ones.

When confronted with complex issues, the model experienced “collapse” and failed to generate accurate solutions. In one instance, it could not succeed even with an algorithm provided to assist.

The findings illustrated that “as problem difficulty rises, models begin to intuitively diminish inference efforts as they approach critical thresholds that closely align with the accuracy collapse point.”

According to Apple experts, these findings highlight “fundamental scaling limitations” in the reasoning capabilities of current inference models.

The study involved LRMS-based assignments like the Tower of Hanoi and River Crossing puzzle. The researchers acknowledged that their focus on puzzles signifies a boundary to their work.

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The study concluded that current AI methodologies may have hit fundamental limitations. Models tested included OpenAI’s O3, Google’s Gemini Thinking, Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet-Thinking, and Deepseek-R1. Google and Deepseek will be approached for comments, while OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, opted not to provide a statement.

Discussing AI models’ capacity for “generalizable reasoning” or broader conclusions, the paper observes:

Andrew Rogoiski from the People-centered AI Institute at Surrey University remarked that Apple’s findings illustrate the industry remains grappling with AGI, suggesting that the current methods may have hit a “dead end.”

He added, “The revelation that the large model underperforms on complex tasks while faring well in simpler or medium-complexity contexts indicates we may be approaching a profound impasse.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

AI in Silicon Valley: Beyond Job Exchange to Total Replacement | Ed Newton Rex

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I recently discovered a restaurant located in my second-floor room in San Francisco, where a venture capital firm hosted a dinner. The after-dinner speaker was a tech veteran who sold his AI company for hundreds of millions and is now pivoting to investment. His straightforward message to the founders of a newly established startup was clear: the potential earnings from AI far exceed the limited market size of previous tech waves. You can draw on a global workforce, which could mean profits for everyone involved.

The idea of completely replacing human labor with AI sounds like science fiction. However, it is the explicit goal of a growing number of high-tech elites—individuals devoid of significant drives or resources, yet with ample financial backing and determination. When they declare their intention to automate all labor, we should take their words seriously.

This perspective is typically confined to closed circles for obvious reasons; one rarely invokes hostility faster than when suggesting that jobs may vanish. Nonetheless, a company named Machicalize challenged this trend last month by openly articulating their vision: “Fully automated economy.” They have successfully garnered funding from some of Silicon Valley’s most prominent figures, including Google’s chief scientist Jeff Dean and podcast host Workspatel.

Is it truly feasible to automate every job? Elon Musk seems to think so. He suggested that the rise of AI and robotics could lead to a scenario where “None of us have a job.” Bill Gates has also reflected on the future of human work, stating that some roles may not be necessary: “It’s not necessary for ‘most things’.” Predictions for sweeping labor changes come from notable figures such as AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton and billionaire investor Vinod Khosla. Their insights are not to be dismissed lightly.

Certain professions appear to be notably resistant to automation. Taylor Swift, Harry Kane, or the next Archbishop of Canterbury are unlikely to be replaced. Famous artists, athletes, politicians, and clergy are among the occupations least susceptible to AI intrusion; unfortunately, they are not careers accessible to everyone.

Currently, technology cannot substitute for all human labor. AI is prone to errors and lacks the coordination, dexterity, and adaptability of humans. However, cutting-edge technology can already perform many tasks, and the expectation is that it will continue to accelerate in capability.

GPT-4, one of OpenAI’s large language models, achieved a Top 10% score on the bar exam in 2023. More recent models have proven adept at coding even beyond the skills of their own chief scientists. The demand for freelance writing sharply declined when ChatGPT was released; the same trend occurred in graphic design following the launch of AI image generators. Driverless cars are already a common sight in San Francisco. As Sam Altman stated emphatically, “The job is It will definitely disappear—full stop.”

While AI captures most headlines, advancements in robotics are also progressing rapidly. While AI may threaten white-collar jobs, robots are increasingly targeting blue-collar work. A humanoid robot is currently undergoing tests at BMW factories. Another model has managed to master over 100 tasks typically performed by human store clerks. Companies are preparing to commence home tests with robots as soon as this year. The Silicon Valley vision for the job market is clear: AI handles thinking, while robots take care of the physical tasks. In this scenario, what role remains for humans?

Until recently, AI researchers anticipated that achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI)—the ability for AI to perform virtually all cognitive tasks at human levels—was an aspiration far off in the future. However, that perception has shifted. Demis Hassabis, head of Google DeepMind, now claims that “It’ll come soon“—in less than 5-10 years, he says, would not surprise him.

Of course, these forecasts could be inaccurate. There’s a chance we may enter another AI winter, where chatbot advancements stagnate, robots falter, and venture capital shifts focus to another tech phenomenon. I personally don’t believe this will happen, but it’s a possibility. However, the core question remains: it’s not whether high-tech CEOs and billions in funding are directing efforts toward labor automation, but rather why they are so eager to pursue this goal and how the general populace feels about it.


The more optimistic viewpoint is that they genuinely believe a post-labor economy will spur significant economic growth and vastly enhance global living standards. The crucial question is whether historical patterns indicate that the fruits of this growth are equitably shared.

Alternatively, a less charitable interpretation is that it all boils down to money. Venture capitalist Mark Andreessen famously remarked, “Software eats the world.” Many sectors have been absorbed into this tech phenomenon. Regardless of the software developed, human effort remains essential for executing the majority of global work. However, Silicon Valley now sees an opening: a chance to control the entire means of production. If they choose not to seize this opportunity, they would not be true to their innovative spirit.

  • Ed Newton-Rex is a founder of a nonprofit certifying AI companies that respect creator rights and is the founder of Fally Trained. He serves as a visiting scholar at Stanford University.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Tonight, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across the United States.

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A total lunar eclipse will be visible across the United States on Thursday night or early Friday morning.

The lunar eclipse will begin around midnight ET – when the Earth’s shadow completely covers the moon – and will last for over an hour from 2:26 am to 3:32 am. According to Earth Sky. The complete process will continue until around 6 am ET.

The lunar eclipse will be visible in most of North and South America, as well as in Africa, Europe, eastern Australia, Russia, and half of Japan.

During a total lunar eclipse, the sun, earth, and moon align, creating shadows on the moon. As a result, the moon appears to have a reddish tint, earning it the nickname “Blood Moon.”

This reddish tint is caused by the way sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths of blue light are easily scattered, while longer wavelengths of red light are more likely to pass through, giving the moon its distinctive color.

Unlike solar eclipses, all stages of a lunar eclipse can be safely viewed with the naked eye, although binoculars and telescopes can enhance the experience.

Unfortunately, cloudy conditions are predicted for many skywatchers tonight. Those who miss this event can look forward to the next lunar eclipse on September 7th, followed by another on March 3rd, 2026.

Overall, total lunar eclipses are less common than partial solar eclipses, which can occur up to three times a year. Neither of the two lunar eclipses in 2024 were total, with the last total lunar eclipse occurring in 2022.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Saturn boasts a total of 128 new moons, surpassing all other planets combined

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Saturn currently has a total of 274 moons

nasa/jpl/space science research institute

Another 128 months were discovered, orbiting Saturn, bringing the planet to a total of 274. It's more than what's around all other planets in the solar system. However, astronomers face problems as advances in telescope technology allow them to gradually find small planetary objects.

Edward Ashton Academia Sinica in Taipei, Taiwan and his colleagues have found a new moon with a telescope in Canada, France and Hawaii, revealing dozens who have previously avoided astronomers. They took several hours of imagery of Saturn, adjusted them through the sky for the movement of the planets, stacking them on top of each other, revealing objects that were otherwise too thin to be visible.

All new moons are 2 to 4 kilometres in diameter and could have been formed hundreds of millions or billions of years ago by collisions, Ashton said.

“These are tiny little rocks floating in space, so some people may not be doing anything,” Ashton says. “But I think it's important to have a catalog of all the objects in the solar system.”

The dot at the center of this image is one of the moons of Saturn's new “fuzzy blob”

edward ashton et al. (2025)

Despite the wealth of data collected by his team, these most recent months still only appear as “fuzzy blobs,” Ashton says. There are more powerful telescopes that can solve Moon in more detail, Many people have small areas of vision, but that would mean taking more images, he says.

The newly discovered moon is recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and Ashton and his team You now have the right to name it. Ashton, a Canadian, says he approached representatives of Indigenous Canadian people for suggestions, but also pondered the idea of ​​a kind of public naming contest.

Is there more moons there? Scientists have spent decades scanning the area around Saturn with an increasingly powerful telescope in recent years. In 2019, 20 new moons were found, and Ashton and his colleagues already 62 discovered Apart from the 128 that was recently discovered in 2023. Ultimately, further discoveries are likely to require advances in telescope technology, Ashton believes that thousands of moons are easily found in orbit around Saturn, and even discounting the small rocky remains found in the planet's rings.

Mike Alexandersen The Minor Planet Center, which records the planetary bodies of the IAU, says there are likely many moons in the solar system, as telescope improvements allow you to see small objects. He says he has to make a decision about what he doesn't do with the moon.

“I know that the IAU has decided not to prioritize naming anything smaller than a kilometer because of the number of months that are likely to exist. But that's not the same as they don't recognize it as the moon,” says Alexandersen. “Only if the spaceship goes to visit it would they name it.”

He suggests that the cutoff between the moon and the rock particles that form part of the planet's rings is probably between 1 kilometres and 1 meter in diameter. “In the end, it's probably going to be an IAU, not my decision. And it's probably going to be a relatively arbitrary kind of thing,” says Alexandersen.

Elizabeth's Day At Imperial College, London says one day there may even be commercial reasons to have an accurate map of the solar system. “You may want to extract resources from the asteroids and moons in your solar system, so make sure you understand what's important to that,” says Day.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Study suggests fixed bedtime more important than total sleep time in preventing tiredness

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When it comes to a good night’s sleep, the quality of your sleep may be more important than the number of hours you get. A new study published in the journal sleep suggests that the regularity of your sleep schedule is a strong predictor of your overall risk of death. In fact, research shows that even those who consistently get 7-8 hours of sleep but have irregular sleep schedules are at a higher risk of stroke, heart attacks, and even cancer compared to those with a consistent sleep-wake routine.

Individuals with the most consistent sleep-wake times have been found to have up to a 48% lower risk of all-cause death compared to those with inconsistent routines. However, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule doesn’t mean you can skimp on sleep. Those who slept less than six hours or more than nine hours each night were also at a higher risk of death. Overall, the link between mortality and consistent sleep patterns was found to be stronger than the link between mortality and sleep duration.

Researchers analyzed sleep data from nearly 61,000 people in the UK biobank, totaling over 10 million hours of recorded sleep. Using advanced algorithms, they tracked mortality rates over an average of 6.3 years to identify factors associated with early death. The hope is that these findings will inform updated public health guidelines and sleep recommendations, emphasizing the importance of not only getting enough sleep but also maintaining a consistent sleep schedule for improved overall health.

Further research is needed to determine if these findings apply to populations outside the UK and to a more diverse range of individuals.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

2024 Solar Eclipse Live: Watch NASA’s broadcast of the total eclipse – New Updates

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On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will occur in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This type of solar eclipse only occurs when the sun and moon line up perfectly in the sky, causing the moon to cover the entire disk of the sun and cast a shadow on Earth. The path this shadow follows as it crosses the ground at speeds exceeding 2,400 kilometers per hour is called a total path, and during this eclipse, the shadow will cross from the west coast of Mexico, across 13 states of the United States, to Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, and beyond. At any given location, totality lasts from about 90 seconds to nearly 4.5 minutes.

During this period, the sky becomes dark as at dusk and the temperature drops by 10 degrees. Viewers will be able to remove their eclipse glasses, which are essential during the partial phase of the eclipse, and look directly at the Sun, which is covered by the Moon. At this range, the sun’s outermost layer, the corona, becomes visible. At other times, it may be too dark to see due to the glare of the sun. Total solar eclipses like this one are rare opportunities for researchers studying the sun and have led to major scientific advances over the years.

Solar eclipse in 2024

On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Our special series covers everything you need to know, from how and when to see a solar eclipse to the strangest solar eclipse experience of all time.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Where and When Can You View a Total Solar Eclipse?

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One of the most eagerly anticipated sky-watching events in recent years is set to take place on Monday, with a total solar eclipse gracing North American skies.

Weather permitting, millions of people in Mexico, 15 U.S. states, and eastern Canada will have the opportunity to witness the moon passing between Earth and the sun, momentarily blocking the sun’s light.

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a “total path” that spans more than 100 miles wide and extends across the continent, with the moon completely obstructing the sun, casting darkness over the afternoon sky for a few minutes.

The rest of the continental United States will experience a partial solar eclipse, where the moon will appear to take a bite out of the sun, with the size of the “bite” varying by location.

The first total eclipse event in North America on Monday will occur on the Pacific coast of Mexico at around 11:07 a.m. Pacific time, as per NASA.

Moving northeast through Mexico, the eclipse’s path will cross through states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and beyond, leading into parts of Canada including southern Ontario and Quebec.

The duration and timing of the total solar eclipse will vary depending on location, with most areas experiencing about two minutes of darkness, with the longest period usually occurring at the center of the eclipse’s path.

This year, the longest totality period will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds in the northwest region of Torreon, Mexico.

The moon covers the sun during a total solar eclipse in Cerulean, Kentucky, August 21, 2017.
Timothy D. Easley / AP File

Below is a list of times for some US cities along the path of totality. According to NASA.

  • Dallas: A partial solar eclipse will start at 12:23 p.m. CT, with a total eclipse commencing at 1:40 p.m. CT.
  • Idabel, Oklahoma: A partial solar eclipse begins at 12:28 p.m. CT, and a total eclipse starts at 1:45 p.m. CT.
  • Little Rock, AR: A partial solar eclipse will begin at 12:33 p.m. CT, and a total solar eclipse is scheduled for 1:51 p.m. CT.
  • Poplar Bluff, Missouri: The partial solar eclipse begins at 12:39 p.m. CT, with totality kicking off at 1:56 p.m. CT.
  • Paducah, Kentucky: A partial solar eclipse will commence at 12:42 p.m. CT, followed by a total solar eclipse at 2 p.m. CT.
  • Carbondale, IL: The partial solar eclipse will start at 12:42 p.m. CT, with the total solar eclipse beginning at 1:59 p.m. CT.
  • Evansville, Indiana: A partial solar eclipse will begin at 12:45 p.m. CT, and a total eclipse will begin at 2:02 p.m. CT.
  • CLEVELAND: A partial solar eclipse will begin at 1:59 p.m. ET, followed by a total eclipse starting at 3:13 p.m.
  • Erie, Pennsylvania: A partial solar eclipse will begin at 2:02 p.m. ET, and a total solar eclipse will start at 3:16 p.m. ET.
  • Buffalo, NY: A partial solar eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET, with a total solar eclipse beginning at 3:18 p.m.
  • Burlington, Vermont: A partial solar eclipse will begin at 2:14 p.m. ET, and a total solar eclipse is set to start at 3:26 p.m. ET.
  • Lancaster, New Hampshire: The partial solar eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET, followed by a total solar eclipse starting at 3:27 p.m.
  • Caribou, Maine: A partial solar eclipse begins at 2:22 p.m. ET, with a total solar eclipse starting at 3:32 p.m. ET.

Additional resources to determine the visibility of the eclipse phases in your area include: NationalEclipse.com and timeanddate.com.

Remember, when observing celestial events, never look directly at the Sun through binoculars, telescopes, or camera lenses. Special solar eclipse glasses are necessary to view the eclipse safely and avoid permanent eye damage.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Physicists puzzled by the 1919 total solar eclipse

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Total solar eclipse in August 2017 over Jefferson City, Missouri

(NASA/Rami Daoud)

The following is an excerpt from the monthly Launchpad newsletter, where resident space expert Leah Crane travels through the solar system and beyond. You can sign up for Launchpad for free here.

It was in 1919 that the moon did something completely natural and blocked our view of the sun, forever changing our understanding of the universe. Observing from the African island of Principe, astronomer Arthur Eddington observed the positions of stars and planets that became visible in the eerie darkness of the day. Because most of the sun’s light was dimmed, he was able to see how light from distant stars is distorted when it is deflected by the sun’s gravity, an effect called gravitational lensing.

He confirmed his sightings with those of another expedition in Brazil, and these observations provided some of the first evidence for Albert Einstein’s relatively new theory of general relativity. This explanation of how massive objects distort the fabric of space-time is now considered fundamental, but at the time it was a revelation. It changed all the way we think about gravity and the universe.

It also led to my results Favorite newspaper headline most of all time, published in of new york times Later that year, “All the light in the heavens is slanted.” Scientists are more or less puzzled over the observations of solar eclipses. Triumph of Einstein’s theory The stars were determined by where they were visible and by calculation It’s not where it was, but no one needs to worry.”

“No one needs to worry” may seem like a bit of a stretch, but watching a total solar eclipse can certainly make you nervous in ways you can’t explain. I watched it for the first time in 2017. It was truly unforgettable. You might think of a solar eclipse as being like a cloudy day when clouds drift in front of the sun. After all, what’s happening is simply the moon passing in front of the sun and casting a shadow on Earth. But it’s surprisingly different.

The first thing you notice during a total solar eclipse is the moon’s shadow hurtling toward you across the ground at speeds of over 1,500 miles per hour. The extent of the shadow for April’s eclipse will be approximately 185 kilometers, but this can vary slightly based on the exact orientation of the Sun and Moon. As the shadow approaches, it looks like the moon has bitten the sun, and its light has a mysterious, foggy quality.

Suddenly, the area becomes dark. This is wholeness. Temperatures can drop up to 10 degrees. The only light comes from the sun’s outermost layer, called the corona, and ripples beyond the moon’s silhouette. It was completely dark, and some stars were visible in the sky. Many animals, including birds and insects, naturally seem to think it is night, and the otherworldly twilight becomes silent, except for the chirps of awakened nocturnal insects. I can’t tell you how you feel, but for me it was a mixture of awe and some strange primal fear. The sun disappeared, and even though my mind knew why, my body panicked at the loss.

solar eclipse 2024

On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Our special series covers everything you need to know, from how and when to see a solar eclipse to the strangest solar eclipse experience of all time.

This seems to be a fairly common reaction, not just in humans. Researchers who studied animals during past total solar eclipses found that while some animals simply finished their evening routine early, many showed signs of anxiety and were aimless during total solar eclipses. I discovered that they run and huddle together.

Then, just a few minutes later, the total star will retreat as quickly as it arrived. The shadows rush away, the sun comes out again, and the birds and insects sing again. Astronomers look up from their solar telescopes, dazed but excited by the treasure trove of data they’ve collected.

Humans have been observing solar eclipses for thousands of years, and we’ve learned some very interesting things. When the sun’s disc is covered by the moon, its faint corona becomes visible, making solar eclipses the perfect time to study the sun’s outer reaches. For example, scientists first discovered helium during a total solar eclipse. A solar eclipse is also a great time to observe the plumes of radiation and material emitted from the sun’s surface through the corona. The coronavirus itself is very strange, and there is still much to understand about how it works. Despite being far removed from the sun’s core fusion, the corona is millions of degrees hotter than the sun’s surface, and we still don’t know why.

Even if you haven’t studied the sun’s mysterious layers, it’s worth watching a total solar eclipse. More than 100 years ago, newspaper editors got it right. More or less, you will be confused.

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  • solar eclipse 2024

Source: www.newscientist.com

Capture Stunning Images of the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: A Photographer’s Guide

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Photographing a solar eclipse takes a little practice

Sebastian Kennerknecht/Minden Pictures/Alamy

Although some people spend years planning trips to see a total solar eclipse, the moment itself lasts only a few minutes at most. A well-taken photo will help you remember the moment years later.

Fortunately, with a little practice, even beginners can capture great images. Learn how to photograph a solar eclipse without any prior experience or fancy camera equipment.

location, location, location

Of course, you can’t photograph a solar eclipse unless you’re in its path. On April 8, everyone in North America will see at least a partial solar eclipse. A partial solar eclipse must be viewed through eclipse glasses and photographed using a solar filter (see details below).

Only those who have entered the path of totality can see the total solar eclipse. Much of the experience will be the same, with partial stages requiring eclipse glasses and eclipse filters, but midway through totality, where the moon completely blocks the sun for several minutes. Only during this period will the eclipse glasses and solar filters come off, allowing you to see and photograph the sun’s corona with the naked eye. This is the shot everyone wants.

How to photograph a total solar eclipse using a smartphone

If you’re in the middle of a totality, forget about handheld video or zooming in on the eclipse sun. The results of using a smartphone will be disappointingly bleak. Instead, focus on taking wide-angle shots that use silhouettes of people and objects to show off their overall beauty.

solar eclipse 2024

On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Our special series covers everything you need to know, from how and when to see a solar eclipse to the strangest solar eclipse experience of all time.

Just before dark, put your phone into wide-angle mode. Focus on something in the middle distance and press and hold your finger on the screen to lock focus. Burst mode allows you to capture images continuously as soon as totality begins. That way, you can catch the “diamond ring,” the last and first beads of sunlight peeking around the moon just before and after totality.

How to photograph a total solar eclipse with a camera

If you have a manual DSLR or mirrorless camera and a variety of lenses, you can choose to shoot wide-angle or close-up of the eclipse. In partial phases, solar filters should be used.

Just before totality, make sure the partially eclipsed Sun is in focus and set your camera to bracketing mode (if you want to take three different exposures of the same image). “Make sure your camera is shooting at a low ISO (200-400) before and after totality to reduce noise,” he says. Mike Mezur, nature photographer. Remember to remove the solar filter during the diamond ring, take a bracket shot during totality, and put the solar filter back on as soon as he sees the second diamond ring at the end of totality.

How to take photos of a partial solar eclipse

To capture impressive shots of a partially eclipsed sun with your smartphone, you need to use a solar filter and keep your smartphone still. The latter can be done by using a tripod and delaying the shutter for a few seconds. There is no problem if you use solar eclipse glasses for the filter. If you have a spare lens, try cutting out one lens and taping it to your phone’s camera lens. Another option is to purchase a smartphone eclipse filter from a company such as: solar snap or business solar.

Smartphones aren’t prone to damage when pointed at the sun, but don’t point your manual camera at a partially chipped sun unless the lens is protected by a solar filter. You can purchase expensive glass solar filters or make your own using inexpensive Baader AstroSolar safety film.

The steps required to take a photo of a partial solar eclipse are a little more involved than taking a standard selfie, but you can practice ahead of time whenever the sun is clearly visible. “Adjust focus and set exposure manually” Karl Heilman, a New York-based photographer who teaches solar eclipse photography workshops. He recommends using an aperture of f/8-11, a shutter speed of 1/800, and ISO 100.

Also, be careful not to spend all your time fiddling with your camera. “As much as you want to photograph the event, put down your camera and take the time to take it in, because this is one of the most amazing things you’ll ever see,” says Mezur.

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  • solar eclipse 2024

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unexpected responses of animals during a total solar eclipse

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We're still trying to understand how animals react to solar eclipses

Ş. Uğur OKÇu/1001slide/iStockphoto/Getty Images

You can't miss a total solar eclipse. The sun's disk is completely covered by the moon, casting its shadow across the Earth's surface and causing a sharp drop in temperature. Animals seem to notice, too, and researchers around the world are studying how animals respond.

Researchers have observed all kinds of animals, from wild hippos to pet dogs, during the eclipse. However, some of the most thorough research is done in zoos around the world.

adam hartstone rose North Carolina State University and colleagues conducted one of these large-scale studies It was during a solar eclipse that crossed the United States in 2017. “To be honest, I didn't expect to see anything interesting. Animals always see clouds passing overhead, but sometimes it gets cloudy. I never thought I would care about that at all,” says Heartstone-Rose. “Surprisingly, three-quarters of the species we observed showed some kind of response.”

Most of these animals seemed to think that it was night during totality, the period when the sun was completely hidden behind the moon. This may not come as a surprise to anyone who witnessed a solar eclipse somewhere outdoors, as it has been known for centuries that birds and insects tend to become quiet and search for nests. not.

“Gorillas usually hang out in gardens all day and go indoors at night, so it was like a whole herd of gorillas marching towards the front door and I was confused as to why no one would let me in. ” said Hartstone-Rose. . Similarly, he observed birds going to roost and sleeping. Once the totality was over, the gorillas and birds returned to their normal daytime activities. Previous studies have also observed spiders laying down their nests during totality, and bats briefly emerging from their daytime resting spots.

Another response the researchers found in many animals was anxiety. “We have a lot of experience in assessing anxiety in animals, especially zoo animals, because we are always trying to reduce anxiety,” Hartstone-Rose said. say. “So we are very cognizant of behaviors that may indicate anxiety.”

These responses include pacing, huddled, and increased vocalization. “Giraffes generally only run when they need to run for their lives, but during the eclipse, some giraffes started running like the sky was falling,” Hartstone-Rose said. “Several animals showed such reactions.” For example, baboons were seen running around together in groups.

Solar eclipse in 2024

On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Our special series covers everything you need to know, from how and when to see a solar eclipse to the strangest solar eclipse experience of all time.

Some Galapagos giant tortoises began mating during the eclipse and looked up to the sky after the eclipse passed. Previous research on hippos found that they also remain excited even after the peak of the eclipse.

However, it is difficult to determine which animal behavior is caused by the eclipse itself, and which animal behavior is a reaction to the crowds drawn by the eclipse. This is especially true in zoos where animals and humans are in close contact. For the same reason, it is difficult to draw conclusions about changes in pet behavior during an eclipse.

Hartstone-Rose and her colleagues conducted another survey at the zoo during the total solar eclipse on April 8, observing some of the same species to see if their behavior matched, as well as identifying new species. We plan to collect data on they again, participatory science project Through this, anyone can report animal observations during the eclipse. By exploring the patterns of animal behavior during unusual events like solar eclipses, we may be able to understand animal thought processes more generally.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

6 important considerations during a total solar eclipse

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Pink stripes called prominences that appear during a total solar eclipse

Alan Dyer/StockTrek Images/Getty Images

There is no greater experience in life than witnessing a total solar eclipse. For a while, the sky darkens, the air cools, and stars appear during the day. Some people may go through life without ever seeing a solar eclipse, but for eclipse chasers like me, that’s not enough.

The thrill of anticipating the next total solar eclipse comes from the fact that each one is completely unique. They can last from 1 second to more than 7 minutes and occur on different types of terrain and geology, usually at sea.

The total solar eclipse on April 8 will be visible only to those along the 185-kilometer-wide path, and the sun will be completely eclipsed for up to 4 minutes and 26 seconds. Just before, during, and after these magical minutes, those on the path to wholeness should be aware of a variety of phenomena. If the sky is clear, you can expect the following to happen during a total solar eclipse:

sunspot covered by the moon

This is one of those sights that everyone across North America has a chance to see. The sun is currently nearing its most active period in a cycle called solar maximum, which lasts 11 to 17 years. This means that magnetic activity is at its maximum, causing visible sunspots on the sun’s surface. If these dark, cold, magnetically complex regions are large enough, they can be seen through eclipse glasses at any time. Even for those outside the path of totality, it’s an interesting sight to see them gradually covered by the moon during an eclipse.

band of shadow on the ground

For a few minutes to about 30 seconds before the sun is completely eclipsed, only a thin crescent moon appears from the surface of the sun, called the photosphere. When this happens, you may see wavy lines moving quickly across the light-colored surface. “a [bed] A shadow band may appear on sheets or other white surfaces placed on the ground.” frank maloney at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. “These are due to clumps of photosphere light that travel through the atmosphere and essentially ‘flicker’ in roughly parallel bands.” Whether they are visible or not depends on the amount of turbulence in Earth’s atmosphere.

solar eclipse 2024

On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Our special series covers everything you need to know, from how and when to see a solar eclipse to the strangest solar eclipse experience of all time.

Darkness, Bailey’s Beads, and the First Diamond Ring

Just before totality, the last 0.1 percent of the sun disappears and light levels plummet. Now come the beads. “For a few seconds before and after totality, the last bits of the Sun can be seen shining through the moon’s irregular surface, so you might be able to see Bailey’s beads,” Maloney says. The final bead sparkles momentarily like a jewel, just as the sun’s corona appears, creating a brief “diamond halo” effect around the moon. It’s safe to view a diamond ring without eclipse glasses, but most observers will still have their eclipse glasses on and will miss it.

solar corona

One of the most amazing sights in nature is here. “During totality, when the sun’s photosphere is eclipsed, other parts of the sun’s atmosphere, the white corona and the pink and purple chromosphere, become visible,” Maloney said. Darkness has arrived and you can safely remove your eclipse glasses and view the corona with the naked eye. As the Sun approaches the most active phase of its cycle, the corona is expected to resemble a spiky star. If you have binoculars, you can see the thin tendrils growing inside the corona.

pinkish-red chromosphere and prominences

Just before the beginning and end of totality, the chromosphere, the lower region of the sun’s atmosphere, can be seen as a pink band that disappears during the eclipse and reappears on the opposite side as the moon crosses the sun. Masu. You may also see prominences, pinkish-red towers, or loops of plasma and magnetic field structures protruding from the corona visible around the moon.

second diamond ring

The most impactful diamond ring effect appears at the end of the whole thing. Small beads of sunlight appear between the moon’s peaks and valleys, then merge into a single bright diamond ring, the appearance of which marks the end of the whole thing. It’s safe to watch for a few seconds, but once sunlight returns, you’ll need to put your eclipse glasses back on if you want to continue seeing the partial phase.

Once the totality is over, the band of shadow may be seen again. Of course, he can put the eclipse glasses back on and watch the sun and sunspots slowly being exposed for at least another hour.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Causes and Occurrences of Total Solar Eclipses

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A solar eclipse is a surprising cosmic coincidence that causes the moon to appear as large as the sun.

Chance Bush/Albuquerque Journal (via AP)

People travel thousands of miles to see a solar eclipse. There’s nothing like darkness falling and the excitement ripple through the crowd. A total solar eclipse will soon grace the skies in parts of Central America and North America, and some places outside the total path will be able to see a partial solar eclipse. So now is the perfect time to ask what exactly a solar eclipse is.

When one celestial object is hidden from view by another celestial object moving between them, astronomers call the event an “occultation.” Strictly speaking, a total solar eclipse is the occultation of the sun by the moon.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon and sun line up perfectly, with the moon moving in front of the sun and blocking nearly all of the sun’s light. From the path of totality, or the area of ​​the Earth where a total solar eclipse is visible, the sun almost disappears. This part of the eclipse can last up to 7.5 minutes. The solar eclipse on April 8th will last 4 minutes and 27 seconds.

What causes solar eclipses?

There are many different types of solar eclipses, but all occur when the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking some or all of the light seen from certain parts of the Earth. By pure cosmic coincidence, the moon is about 400 times smaller than the sun, but the sun is about 400 times farther away, so the moon and sun appear to be the same size in the sky. When the two line up perfectly during the new moon phase, when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, the moon can block all of the sun’s light. This is a total solar eclipse.

During a solar eclipse, the moon casts two shadows. The central part of the shadow where light does not reach is called the umbra. The outer partial shadow is known as the penumbra. Only light coming from part of the sun’s disk can reach here. During a total solar eclipse, the path of totality is land within the umbra. On April 8, the road will be 185 kilometers wide and will cross North America from Mexico through the United States and Canada. However, the total path can be as narrow as 150 kilometers. The penumbra covers a much larger area and a partial solar eclipse can be seen in those locations.

Conceptual Imagery Lab at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

What types of solar eclipses are there?

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks only part of the sun’s light. This occurs when the viewer is within the penumbra. Before and after totality, you can see the moon slowly eclipsing the sun in a partial solar eclipse. However, because the moon’s central shadow completely misses the Earth, only a partial solar eclipse may be visible from anywhere on Earth.

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s elliptical orbit moves it farther from Earth than normal, blocking most of the sun’s light but leaving behind a so-called ring of fire. A hybrid solar eclipse occurs when some parts of the world see a total solar eclipse, while other parts see an annular solar eclipse. Total solar eclipses, hybrid solar eclipses, and annular solar eclipses are all types of “central” solar eclipses, meaning that the umbra is projected somewhere on Earth.

Solar eclipse in 2024

On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Our special series covers everything you need to know, from how and when to see a solar eclipse to the strangest solar eclipse experience of all time.

How often do solar eclipses occur?

Every year, anywhere from two to five solar eclipses are visible somewhere around the world. A total solar eclipse occurs on average every 18 months. However, in certain locations on Earth, the portion of the Earth where a total solar eclipse is visible is so small that a total solar eclipse is only seen about once every 400 years.

What is a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon moves through the shadow that Earth casts in space. These events always occur during a full moon when the moon is on the opposite side of Earth’s sun. But they don’t happen every full moon because our moon’s orbit is tilted around the Earth compared to Earth’s orbit around the sun.

Do solar eclipses always occur in pairs?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, Sun, and Moon line up (a so-called syzygation), so a solar eclipse is always accompanied by a lunar eclipse two weeks before and after it. This year, a lunar eclipse will occur on March 24th, two weeks before the solar eclipse on April 8th. However, it will be a penumbral lunar eclipse, meaning only the Earth’s outer shadow will hide the moon.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Here’s How to Prepare for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

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Bride, groom and wedding guests watching solar eclipse in Mexico

Martin Zetina/AP/Alamy

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible in North America from a strip of land that begins in Mexico and ends in Canada, passing through 13 U.S. states.

A solar eclipse can be seen from many different locations, but it's important to know exactly where to look to get the full experience. The part of the Earth's surface where a total solar eclipse is visible is called the total path, and is only 185 kilometers wide. Viewers in other parts of North America will see a partial solar eclipse.You can check This NASA map confirm.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned and the Moon blocks the sun's light. If aligned properly, it is large enough to cause a total solar eclipse. The moon orbits the Earth each month at a tilt of just over 5 degrees compared to the Earth's orbit around the sun. This means that it is not very often that the three line up perfectly.

All solar eclipses start out partial, with only part of the sun blocked out. However, a total solar eclipse has a special middle part called totality, where the moon blocks out all of the sun's light.

Never look directly at the sun during a partial solar eclipse. You can use eclipse glasses to view it, but not regular sunglasses. Observe the event indirectly by using eclipse filters for binoculars or telescopes designed for this purpose, or by creating an eclipse viewer using a pinhole camera that projects the eclipse. You can also. You can also use something like a colander with small holes in it.

A partial solar eclipse will last just under 3 hours. For those lucky enough to step onto the path to wholeness, the 2024 event will be special. Some total solar eclipses last longer than others because the moon's orbit moves it closer and further away from Earth at different times. This totality lasts more than four minutes. Totality is the only time you can see the sun directly without a solar filter.

A total solar eclipse is an amazing experience. Temperatures drop sharply, days become darker, and stars and planets become visible.Even before and after totality, strange shadows and so-called diamond ring – A bright flash of light that occurs when sunlight passes along the uneven surface of the moon.

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Source: www.newscientist.com