Baily’s Beads
During a total or annular solar eclipse, observers may witness a bright ring-like structure around the Moon’s edge, resembling a necklace. This phenomenon is known as “Baily’s Beads,” named after the astronomer Francis Baily, who described it in 1836. Baily’s Beads appear due to the Sun’s light interacting with the Moon’s uneven terrain.
Solar Prominences
Solar prominences are huge structures of magnetic fields and plasma ejected from the Sun’s surface. Normally, these protruding features are not visible from Earth. However, during a solar eclipse, observers can see them behind the Moon, resembling petals on a flower.
Temperature Drop
The temperature can drop significantly when the Moon covers the Sun, with the extent of the drop depending on the location, time of year, and the type of eclipse. In most areas, the temperature may decrease by approximately 2.8 to 5.6 degrees Celsius during a total solar eclipse, or even more. Partial solar eclipses typically result in less variation, but observers may still feel the cold.
Wind Direction Changes
Apart from temperature drops, eclipse locations may experience changes in wind direction. Initially, the wind gradually subsides as the Moon approaches its maximum coverage of the Sun. According to a 2016 study, after reaching the peak of solar coverage, the wind begins to strengthen and may blow in a different direction. This phenomenon occurs during total, annular, and even partial solar eclipses.
Disoriented Animals
The sudden darkness during a solar eclipse can disrupt the behavior of animals. Creatures that are active at dawn, such as crickets and cicadas, may start their “evening melodies.” Cows and horses might begin to rest, while birds return to their nests.
Disrupted Radio Waves
Both total and annular solar eclipses affect specific radio wave frequencies, and experts are not entirely sure of the exact reason. They suspect it is related to how the Sun interacts with Earth’s ionosphere, a region of the atmosphere that changes when exposed to solar flares and solar storms. On October 14, 2023, and April 8, 2024, citizen scientists in North America will collect more data to understand how eclipses disrupt radio transmissions.
Microbial Changes
Microorganisms can also be influenced by solar eclipses. In a 2011 study of bacteria living on test plates during a total solar eclipse in India, researchers found that the microorganisms became smaller and changed shape around the time of the eclipse’s peak. However, these results have yet to be replicated.
Strange Shadow Bands (Only During Total Solar Eclipses)
Just seconds before the total solar eclipse phase, faint wavy shadows known as shadow bands may appear on uniformly colored surfaces. This phenomenon can give the illusion of being at the bottom of a swimming pool.
Shadow Bands (Appear Only During Total Solar Eclipses)
In the moments just before the total solar eclipse phase, faint wavy shadows known as shadow bands can be observed on uniformly colored surfaces. “The scene resembles being underwater at the bottom of a swimming pool,” says astronomer Nordgren. These shadow bands remain a scientific mystery. Astronomers have yet to determine the exact cause of their occurrence or why they only sporadically appear. Some scientists theorize that they may be indicative of atmospheric wave distortion. According to NASA, this phenomenon has been recorded since the 9th century.
Stars and Planets Appear (Only During Total Solar Eclipses): During a total solar eclipse, the Moon blocks the Sun’s light enough for stars and planets to become visible in the daytime sky. However, only the brightest celestial objects are seen, and the specific ones observed depend on Earth’s position during the eclipse. For example, during the 2024 total solar eclipse, observers will see Venus and Mars. In the case of an annular solar eclipse, the sky remains too bright for such observations.