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    Cosmic Queries: The Great American Eclipse

    en-usAugust 18, 2017
    How many total solar eclipses has Joe Rale witnessed?
    What does Joe Rale plan to do during his 12th eclipse?
    What are the two main parts of an eclipse's shadow?
    Why is it important to wear eyewear during an eclipse?
    What is the effect known as diamond ring or Bailey's beads?

    • Joe Rale's Anticipation for the 12th Total Solar EclipseJoe Rale, an eclipse enthusiast, cherishes the breathtaking experience of a total solar eclipse and plans to witness many more before leaving Earth.

      Joe Rale, a guest on StarTalk, has witnessed 11 total solar eclipses in his life and is eagerly anticipating his 12th. He describes the experience as addictive and plans to see many more before he leaves Earth. During the eclipse, Joe will be in the path of totality but will keep his location a secret from the media. He has a deep appreciation for the natural phenomenon and shares his awe for the experience, which he describes as breathtaking and unlike anything else. The eclipse is a rare event that can leave one feeling robbed of a sunrise, but it's also a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the universe.

    • Witnessing a Total Solar Eclipse: From Partial to Complete DarknessA total solar eclipse offers a breathtaking contrast between day and night, with stars appearing and the sky taking on a twilight quality during totality. Don't miss out on this unique experience, happening next in New York on May 1, 2079.

      Experiencing a total solar eclipse is unlike any other natural phenomenon. During an eclipse, the moon gradually moves in front of the sun, initially casting a yellowish hue over the landscape before plunging the sky into darkness in the final moments before totality. Stars become visible, and the sky takes on a twilight quality. This dramatic transformation only lasts for a minute or two, after which the sun reappears as if nothing had happened. Despite the similarities between a partial eclipse and a total eclipse, it's essential to witness the full event to appreciate the stark contrast between day and night. The final moments of a partial eclipse, even with a small sliver of the sun still visible, can't compare to the complete darkness and awe-inspiring sight of totality. With the next total solar eclipse set to occur in New York on May 1, 2079, many people are eagerly anticipating this unique experience.

    • A total solar eclipse is a deeper experience than a partial oneThe upcoming 'Great American Eclipse' is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Americans, attracting people worldwide, as it's the first total solar eclipse over the US in over 2,000 years.

      The total solar eclipse is a more profound and exciting experience compared to a partial eclipse, just as the intimacy of having sex with a loved one is a deeper connection than a simple kiss. The upcoming "Great American Eclipse" is a unique event because the entire country will be the host, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Americans. Historically, the last time the United States experienced a solar eclipse all to itself was over 2,000 years ago. This eclipse is a testament to America's greatness and is expected to attract people from around the world. Additionally, there is a famous song, "You're So Vain," by Carly Simon, which might have been inspired by a total solar eclipse, possibly the one in 1972.

    • Total lunar eclipse during Donald Trump's birthDuring a total lunar eclipse, the moon passes directly behind the Earth, causing it to be fully shadowed. The upcoming one in 2024 will last longer and be more spectacular than the one in 2017.

      During a total lunar eclipse, Donald Trump was born, making it an intriguing astronomical coincidence. This type of eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly behind the Earth, causing it to be fully shadowed by the Earth. Anyone on the side of the Earth that sees the moon being eclipsed can witness a total lunar eclipse. Although not as rare as a solar eclipse, it's still a captivating event. The upcoming total lunar eclipse in 2024 will last longer and be more spectacular than the one in 2017, making it an even more anticipated event. The duration and quality of a lunar eclipse depend on the moon's position in its elliptical orbit around the Earth and Earth's position in its orbit around the sun. A clear sky is essential for viewing the eclipse, and meteorologists like Joe Rao can provide valuable insights into weather patterns that may affect visibility. With modern transportation, this eclipse has the potential to be the most watched in history, as people from all over the world can easily travel to witness this astronomical phenomenon.

    • Solar Eclipse of Historic Proportions: 200 Million People Expected to ViewAn estimated 200 million people could witness the upcoming solar eclipse, with 14 states in its path of totality.

      The upcoming solar eclipse is expected to be one of the most viewed in modern history, with an estimated 200 million people potentially seeing it either directly or by traveling to the path of totality. This path, which is 70 miles wide and 2,500 miles long, stretches from Oregon to South Carolina and includes 14 states. While 12 million people already live within the zone of totality, an additional 220 million are within a one-day drive, leading to concerns about major traffic jams and stocking up on supplies. The Saros Cycle, a lunar cycle known to ancient civilizations, suggests that this eclipse is part of a larger family or cycle of similar eclipses. The 1991 Mexico City eclipse, which was also part of this cycle, is notable for having potentially the largest viewership in history, with a population of 23 million seeing it in one sitting. However, the weather during that eclipse was not ideal, and many people were disappointed. So, while the upcoming eclipse has the potential to be historically significant, it's important to remember that weather can be unpredictable and could impact the viewing experience.

    • The Saros cycle determines eclipse patternsThe Saros cycle, a lunar-solar alignment, predicts eclipses every 18 years, but their locations vary due to Earth's rotation. Moon's distance from Earth causes total solar eclipses to decrease in frequency over a million years.

      The Saros cycle, which involves the position of the moon in its orbit relative to the Earth and the Earth's rotation, results in eclipses repeating approximately every 18 years, 10 or 11 days. However, due to the Earth's rotation, each eclipse will not occur in the same part of the world as the previous one. The ancient sky watchers were able to predict eclipses based on this cycle. The moon is currently moving away from the Earth at a rate of a few inches per year, and it is estimated that in about a million years, the moon will be too far away to create total solar eclipses. Instead, we will only see annular eclipses, where the moon does not completely cover the sun and leaves a ring of sunlight visible. This is a significant change from the past, when the moon was much larger in the sky and total solar eclipses were more frequent. So, while we still have time to enjoy these celestial events, it is important to appreciate them while we can.

    • The unique size and distance ratio of Earth's moon and sun create a total solar eclipseThe moon's size and position in relation to Earth and the sun allow for a total solar eclipse, a phenomenon not common in the solar system due to other planets' larger moons and greater sun-moon distances.

      The unique size and distance ratio of the moon and sun as seen from Earth creates the spectacle of a total solar eclipse, which is not common in the solar system due to the large size of other planets' moons and the great distances between their suns and moons. The moon and sun have a specific ratio that allows for this phenomenon, and no other planet in our solar system has a moon proportionately as large as ours in relation to its planet size. Additionally, the sun being so far away makes it difficult for an object passing in front of it to create the corona effect seen during a total solar eclipse. The moon, being relatively close to us, is the only celestial body that can block the sun's light completely and reveal its corona.

    • Surviving on the Moon: Rotating for Temperature ConsistencyTo survive on the moon, astronauts must rotate to maintain a consistent temperature, as one side is always in sunlight and the other in darkness, causing extreme temperature fluctuations.

      To survive on the moon, you need to be in a rotating position at the boundary of light and dark to maintain a consistent temperature. This is because one side of the moon is constantly bathed in sunlight while the other side is in darkness, with temperatures reaching as low as 250 degrees below zero. During a total solar eclipse, astronauts on the International Space Station will see the Earth's umbral shadow as a black stain on the Earth's surface, but they will not experience a total eclipse themselves. For those viewing the eclipse from Earth, it's recommended to put away cameras and simply enjoy the experience, as it's a fleeting moment that should be savored.

    • The moon's shadow moves at an average speed of 1700 miles per hour during a solar eclipse, causing a noticeable temperature drop.The moon's shadow during a solar eclipse moves rapidly, causing a temperature drop and creating a unique twilight effect.

      During a solar eclipse, the moon's shadow moves at an average speed of about 1700 miles per hour as it passes over the Earth's surface. This shadow causes a noticeable temperature drop in areas where most of the sun is covered, with temperatures dropping by 3 to 5 degrees or more. This temperature change is due to the contraction of the atmosphere and the pulling in of winds from all directions. Historically, solar eclipses have also played a significant role in scientific discoveries, such as the confirmation of Einstein's theory of relativity during the 1919 solar eclipse. Despite the rapid movement of the shadow, it's a fascinating sight to behold, with the dark shadow cutting through the atmosphere and creating a twilight effect on each side.

    • Experience temperature drop and absence of sunlight's photons during a solar eclipseSafely view solar eclipses using certified glasses or projections to avoid eye damage and enjoy the cooler temperature and unique light displays

      During a solar eclipse, not only do you experience a temperature drop due to the absence of the sun's radiant heat, but also the absence of photons that you had been basking in. This is why shade feels cooler than being in direct sunlight. It's important to safely view the eclipse using certified eclipse glasses, welder's glass, or by projecting the image using a mirror or pinhole. Avoid looking directly at the sun with sunglasses, smoke glass, or uncertified eclipse glasses, as these can cause harm to your eyes. Additionally, during totality, the light passing through the spaces between leaves or using a pinhole or mirror projection can create an intriguing display of the sun's image on the ground.

    • Safely viewing a solar eclipse: Total phase only, quick return to eyewearDuring a solar eclipse, only look directly at the sun during the total phase. Replace eyewear as soon as the sun starts to reappear to ensure safety.

      During a solar eclipse, it's safe to look directly at the sun only during the total phase, but it's crucial to put your eyewear back on as soon as the sun starts to re-emerge. The two main parts of the shadow cast during an eclipse are the umbra (totality) and penumbra. Umbra, derived from the same Latin root as "umbrella," creates a more precise, eerie shadow as the sun narrows. This effect is known as the diamond ring or Bailey's beads, which is the last bright sliver of the sun before it fully re-emerges. Remember, knowledge is key during an eclipse, not luck.

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