What Happens During a Total Solar Eclipse?

The experience begins long before totality. As the Moon gradually moves in front of the Sun, the amount of sunlight reaching the ground decreases. The landscape may begin to look different even though the eclipse itself is still in progress.

As totality approaches, the changes become much more dramatic. Shadows can become unusually sharp or strange, the temperature may feel cooler, and the sky can take on a twilight appearance.

1. The Sky Begins to Change

During the partial phases, the Sun is gradually covered by the Moon. The surroundings may become noticeably dimmer, but it is important to remember that the Sun is still dangerously bright during this stage.

You should continue using proper solar viewing protection during every partial phase of the eclipse.

2. The Light Becomes Unusual

As more of the Sun becomes covered, ordinary daylight can take on a different quality. The landscape may appear flatter or more subdued, while the approaching shadow of the Moon changes the atmosphere around you.

3. Totality Arrives

The most dramatic moment comes when the Moon completely covers the Sun's bright photosphere. This is totality.

At this brief stage, the appearance of the sky changes dramatically. The Sun's bright surface is hidden and the much fainter solar corona becomes visible around the Moon.

The Solar Corona

One of the most spectacular sights during totality is the solar corona. This extremely faint outer atmosphere surrounds the dark silhouette of the Moon and normally cannot be seen easily because the bright solar disk overwhelms it.

During totality, however, the bright disk is hidden, allowing the corona to become visible to the naked eye.

Stars and Planets May Appear

The darkness of totality can make some bright stars and planets easier to notice. The exact objects visible depend on the time, location and atmospheric conditions.

This is one reason eclipse viewers often look beyond the Sun itself and take in the entire sky.

The Horizon Can Glow

Even while the area directly beneath the eclipse becomes dark, the horizon may remain brighter. Sunlight can still reach areas outside the path of totality, producing a striking ring of twilight around the observer.

Shadows Can Look Strange

Eclipse conditions can produce unusual shadow effects. As the Sun becomes a thin crescent during the partial phase, small gaps between leaves and other objects can project tiny crescent-shaped images onto surfaces.

Temperature and Wildlife

A noticeable temporary change in temperature can occur during an eclipse as sunlight is reduced. Some animals may also react to the sudden change in light and environment.

These effects vary with location and conditions, so they should be considered part of the possible experience rather than guaranteed observations.