Watching a Solar Eclipse from Space: NASA’s Video of the Total Solar Eclipse

For the first time in nearly a century, the western and northern regions of New York State saw a total solar eclipse. The path of totality, a tiny area where the Moon completely obscures the Sun, crossed cities and caused a frenzy across the United States.

The eclipse began in Mexico’s beachside resort town of Mazatlan and made its way to the southern border of Texas near Eagle Pass, marking the start of the eclipse in the United States. This event was historic as the next total solar eclipse visible across the contiguous US is not expected until August 2044, and an annular eclipse won’t appear across this part of the world again until 2046.

NASA emphasized the importance of using specialized eye protection for solar viewing, stating that it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without it. It warned against using cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without a special-purpose solar filter, as it could cause severe eye injury.

The eclipse also has an impact on weather, with changes in temperature, wind speed, and humidity occurring as the moon crosses in front of the Sun and casts a shadow on Earth’s surface. In the path of totality, temperatures drop by around 10 degrees and other weather conditions may change.

Additionally, scientists use eclipses to observe solar material flow from the Sun, which provides a better understanding of space weather and its impact on GPS and long-distance radio communications. The story has not been edited and is published from a syndicated feed.