2024 Solar Eclipse
Mark your calendars because on Monday, April 8th, the Total North American Eclipse will travel across the United States, Mexico, and Canada! Starting at 12:47 pm, the eclipse will begin to pass over Bloomington-Normal, reaching its peak at 2:04 pm with a totality of 96 percent, and concluding at 3:19 pm.
The last time a spectacle like this took place was in 2017, just 7 years prior, with a totality of 94 percent. After this next eclipse in April, we will have to wait until 2044 to see another. There are annular solar eclipses, though, but the entirety of the Sun is not blocked out as the moon passes by. The annular eclipses are known for the “ring of fire” caused by the moon being a greater distance away from the Earth. Total solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun while its size appears equal to or greater than that of the Sun. The moon is 400 times smaller than the Sun, but it is 400 times closer to the Earth, making these eclipses possible.
During the event you can expect it to become very dark, as though it were late evening or early twilight. There might even be the chance to make out some stars or planets when it reaches its maximum, the sky dark enough for the light to effectively reach Earth despite the time of day. The behaviors animals exhibit will change, too, the drastic shift in the brightness causing them to begin the routines they would normally start in the evening.
There won’t be a drastic change in temperature when the eclipse happens, but there will be a lack of solar radiation for the duration of the event. This affects the atmosphere, leading to a decrease of ionization, and these changes in the ionosphere are called “ionospheric anomalies.” These anomalies can cause disruptions in GPS navigation systems and radio signals. These impacts are only temporary and the ionosphere returns to normal along with the solar radiation levels.
Illinois State University is planning a university-wide event that will give students the opportunity to safely view the solar eclipse with proper solar eclipse glasses. There will be over 15,000 pairs of glasses handed out to ensure that every student can take part in the event. One pair of solar eclipse glasses per person.
Unlike the viewing of the 2017 eclipse, this historical event will be organized by collaborating RSO’s, including:
- American Society of Safety Professionals
- Physics Club
- Solar Car
- Astronomy club
- Emergency Services Club
The participating departments include:
- Emergency Management
- Sustainability
- Physics
- Environmental Heath & Safety
Illinois State University is working to make the event as accessible and fun as possible. We hope that you join us on the 8th at 1:00 p.m. as we watch this astronomical event! Keep an eye out for more details as they are released!
