On April 8, millions of people throughout the United States will have the rare opportunity to observe the day turning into night as the moon blocks the sun.
While being in the path of totality gives you a clear view of this celestial event, you might be surprised to learn that the effects involve far more than a few minutes of twilight.
Naturally, most people will focus on the sun and the moon throughout the event. But, eclipse chasers know that the entire environment changes during the height of the special moment.
Those who are within areas that only receive a partial eclipse will still be able to notice some of these changes, but you’ll notice the most significant effects of the 2024 solar eclipse when you know what to look for during peak totality when you’re fortunate enough to be in its direct path.
From generating confusion among flocks of birds to creating shadow snakes, get ready to watch out for these five surprising effects of the solar eclipse on animal behavior and the weather.