submitted by Joy Cardin
During his presentation before the Rotary Club of Madison, UW Space Place Director Jim Lattis explained the science behind the upcoming total solar eclipse; what we can expect on April 8; and how to safely experience it.
Lattis said it is a multi-sensory experience when the moon is positioned between the earth and the sun, and its shadow is cast on earth. The sky becomes darker, the sun’s outer atmosphere or corona becomes visible, temperatures drop, and birds may sing and get ready to roost for the “night.” The path of totality for the April 8 solar eclipse runs across the United States from Texas to Maine.
Madison will experience a partial eclipse–89% of the sun will be covered by the moon. The partial eclipse in Madison will reach its peak or maximum at 2:06pm. Eclipse glasses are a must to safely look at the sun during a partial eclipse.
If you missed our meeting this week, you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/v6VIBdddpwE.
Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin 