Solar eclipse: What to look forward to

In approximately 980 million people across the Northern Hemisphere will have the opportunity to witness an upcoming solar eclipse on Wednesday. Researchers will utilize this rare event to test specialized instruments and capture rare images of the sun's corona, the outer atmosphere that appears as a crown during the phenomenon. As the moon passes between Earth and the sun, it casts a shadow that temporarily darkens the sky, revealing the corona for a brief period known as totality.

Witnesses might notice the temperature dropping, crescent-shaped shadows, shifting winds, and unusual animal behavior. Just before totality, Baily's beads, final rays of sunlight peeking through valleys on the moon's surface, appear as white specks around the moon. As night falls during totality, viewers may catch glimpses of stars or even auroras, particularly in regions like Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, northern Spain, and northeastern Portugal.

The eclipse will begin at 15:34 GMT, gradually dimming the sun's light. Totality, when the corona is most visible, will last about two minutes at 17:46 GMT. However, the exact timing varies depending on the viewer's location. While Icelanders will witness totality at 17:48 GMT, those in Spain will need to wait until 18:27 GMT.

It is crucial to protect one's eyes during the eclipse, as looking directly at the sun can cause permanent damage to the retina. Specialized ISO 12312-2 glasses are necessary, and alternatives like pinhole cameras or projects made with small holes can safely observe the event. NASA also offers a livestream for those interested in watching remotely.