Did you see those mysterious twinkles before and after the total solar eclipse?

If you had the opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse on April 8th, you might have observed a captivating phenomenon known as shadow bands. These are thin, undulating lines of alternating light and dark that move parallel on plain surfaces just before and after the celestial event.

According to NASA, the intensity, motion, and direction of these bands are believed to be linked to the same atmospheric conditions responsible for the twinkling of stars. Turbulent air cells in the upper atmosphere act like lenses, causing the sharp-edged light from the solar surface to fluctuate just before totality.

The movement of these atmospheric cells varies randomly with each eclipse and viewing location, making the appearance and behavior of shadow bands unpredictable beforehand. They typically manifest about a minute before the total solar eclipse and may persist for a few seconds to several minutes afterward.

To observe shadow bands, it’s best to have a plain-colored surface, such as a white sheet or concrete pavement. The effect is most pronounced in areas with good visibility and light-colored backgrounds.

While shadow bands have intrigued scientists and eclipse enthusiasts for centuries, their exact cause remains elusive. Some theories propose that they result from the interference of light waves in Earth’s atmosphere, while others suggest they stem from the bending of light by the planet’s magnetic field.

So, during the next total solar eclipse, anticipated between 2024 and 2025, take a moment to watch for these enigmatic shadow bands and appreciate the wonders of nature’s mysteries.