In just a couple short weeks, a swath of North America stretching from Mexico to Canada will experience a total solar eclipse. While there is a solar eclipse once every year and a half or so, this one, on April 8th, will be the last time one passes through North America until 2044–accepting a small portion of northern Alaska in 2033 and parts of Greenland in 2026. This month’s Nature Net News will break down the why of solar eclipses, where to catch the “path of totality”, how to prepare for the eclipse, and what to expect in the skies above Wisconsin.

What is a Solar Eclipse

So why exactly do solar eclipses happen? It’s because of our moon! Solar eclipses happen when the moon crosses between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow back on Earth. The moon’s shadow is about 400,000 kilometers long and is made of two parts: the umbra–a narrowing cone at the center of the shadow causing a total eclipse, and the penumbra–a wider, less intense shadow that causes partial solar eclipses. While the Moon is much smaller than the sun, during a solar eclipse, it completely covers the sun because of a miraculous cosmic coincidence. Because the Sun is both 400 times bigger than the Moon and 400 times further away, they appear the same size when viewed from Earth during total solar eclipses.

How to Prepare for the Eclipse

The eclipse will happen on Monday April, 8th with the entire continental United States experiencing at least a partial solar eclipse, most anyone can witness this event. There are certain safety measures one should take while viewing an eclipse. The biggest factor is eye protection. Looking directly at the sun, even just for a few moments, can cause damage to our eyes. During a partial eclipse and in the moments leading up to a total eclipse, viewers should wear eclipse glasses–much darker than sunglasses–or use a handheld solar viewer. Viewers can also make pinhole viewers by punching a small hole through cardboard. As the sun becomes eclipsed, it will reflect in the shadow cast through the hole onto the ground or a piece of paper. If you plan on being outside for an extended period of time to view the eclipse, sun protection is also not a bad idea!

With this upcoming total solar eclipse crossing much of North America, you may feel inclined to travel to the “path of totality” to view the total solar eclipse. Consult the map below to find the area closest to you and look into any local events that may be happening to celebrate this momentous occasion!

Image Source: NASA/Scientific Visualization Studio/Michala Garrison; Eclipse Calculations By Ernie Wright, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

The Path of Totality

While most of the United States will experience at least a partial solar eclipse, a line extending from Texas to Maine is in the “path of totality.” While it may sound like some doomsday omen, the path of totality just means that those areas will experience a total solar eclipse. In the minutes leading up to the eclipse, the landscape around you may begin to take on an otherworldly appearance and sound; colors will deepen, the light will shift from our usual sunlight to something closer to the light we might expect to see from stars, and animals will fall silent. Just before the sun is completely covered, you’ll likely be able to see the topography of the moon, the peaks and valleys on the surface. Finally, just moments before totality, you’ll witness the final spark of light before the moon entirely eclipses the light of the sun.

Once the umbra of the Moon’s shadow passes over these areas, a darkness akin to night will fall and the temperature will drop. Dew and mist may form on the ground, trees, and rocks around you. Emanating from behind the moon, you’ll be able to see the corona of the Sun, brilliant wisps extending across the sky. Planets will become visible. Many who have witnessed total solar eclipses describe them as one of the most spectacular sites of their lives. It brings many to tears and others to existential questions. Total solar eclipses have both baffled and awed humanity for millennia and even as our scientific understanding advances, no explanation in the world can prepare you for a total solar eclipse. 

Get an idea of what the human experience of a total eclipse here.

What About Wisconsin?

Unfortunately, Wisconsin is not in the path of totality for this solar eclipse. We are, however, expected to experience between 70-90% obstruction, depending on where you are in the state. With the next total solar eclipse in Wisconsin not happening until 2099, this is as close as we’ll be for a while. During this partial eclipse, it’s still very important to wear eye protection as the shadow of the moon will cross most of the sun, but will still leave some of the sun exposed. A partial solar eclipse is still a site to behold, but even a partial eclipse of 99% is still 1000 times brighter than the light of a full moon or the Sun’s corona – the wispy, outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere – and the hottest thing our eyes can observe.

For More

• Get an  idea of what the eclipse might look like where you are with this eclipse simulator
• For visual explanations of solar eclipse see these resources:
  • From PBS
  • From National Geographic

• Check out this podcast on the history of humans witnessing solar eclipses, solar mysteries, and the cosmic perfection we’re witnessing:

• Explore NASA’s Guide to the Eclipse

In Case You Missed It…

News from Nature Net Members​​

Annual Midwest Crane Count	Art on View: Patterns & Seasonality	Parks & Open Space Plan
Join the International Crane Foundation for the Annual Midwest Crane Count on the morning of April 13th! The survey accounts for Sandhill and Whooping Crane populations in 7 states in the Upper Midwest. Participation is facilitated via your County Coordinator–listed by county here. Learn more about the count here.	The UW Arboretum is hosting the works of Karen Faller in the Steinhauer Trust Gallery through March and April. Faller’s works highlight the native flora, fauna, and landscapes of Wisconsin. Learn more about the exhibit here!	Dane County Parks wants to hear from you! The Dane County Parks and Open Space Plan is updated every 5 years and they are currently seeking public input and feedback. There is a public survey that will be available in Spanish and in English through May 1st.​

For Families:	For Educators:	Upcoming Events:
The Children & Nature Network Conference is rolling into town at the end of May. While the conference focuses on professionals in the field of environmental education of children, the conference is coordinating a Nature Everywhere Day! On June 1st, start at the Nature Everywhere Day Headquarters at the Dane County Farmers Market to learn about opportunities for hiking, outdoor yoga, nature arts & crafts, and more! Learn more here.	WAEE announced their annual conference will be taking place October 24-26th at Upham Woods (a Nature Net Member!). The conference will center the theme: Connect, Explore, Engage: Education for the Next 50 Years. More information on the conference is available here. If you would like to submit a proposal for presentation at the conference, submit here before April 7th.	Look forward to a spring packed with nature events put on by our Nature Net Members. Embark on an “Art-Venture” at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, take a voyage to Mars at the MMSD Planetarium, and a family night out at Lussier Family Heritage Center. We will also be updating our Earth Day page with member happenings! Learn about more events here.

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