AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – If there weren’t already enough reasons to travel to an area along the path of totality during the solar eclipse, here’s another unique viewing opportunity.
In areas that will experience the full total solar eclipse, the sun’s corona will be viewable. The corona is the sun’s outermost part of its atmosphere.
Typically, the corona is not viewable because the sun is too bright. However, with the moon blocking the brightest parts of the sun in the path of totality, this aura will be seen glowing around the solar eclipse. When you look at the total solar eclipse while wearing eclipse glasses, you’ll be able to see a glowing white light around the moon.
FILE – The period of total coverage during the solar eclipse is seen near Hopkinsville, Ky. Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
However, if you plan to view the solar eclipse outside the path of totality, UMass Professor Daniela Calzetti said the corona will not be visible. Even in areas with 95% coverage, the sun will still be too bright to see the sun’s atmosphere.
The sun’s corona extends far into outer space. Although it reaches extremely high temperatures, it is still not brighter than the sun itself due to its density. Scientist say the corona can be hundreds of times hotter than the sun’s surface.
The total solar eclipse will darken skies around the U.S. on April 8.
Sun’s corona will be visible during total solar eclipse: How to see it
- Advertisment - 