A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves in front of the Sun as seen from a location on Earth. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon’s shadow completely covers the Sun – known as the path of totality – will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will become dark, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun. Here are some things to expect during a solar eclipse:

• Dimming of light: During a solar eclipse, it gets dimmer outside as more and more of the Sun is covered by the Moon.

• Darkness: During a total solar eclipse, the entire Sun is covered for a few minutes and it becomes very dark outside.

• Temperature drop: Temperatures can drop quickly as the Moon covers the Sun. Most places see temperature drops of around 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 to 5.6 degrees Celsius) during a total eclipse, though the plunge can be larger.

• Sharpening shadows: As the Sun dwindles to a very thin crescent, shadows become much sharper and more detailed.

• Deepening darkness: Look west a few minutes before totality. Can you see the oncoming umbral shadow? Any clouds on the horizon will go dark as the Moon’s shadow sweeps over them, making the approaching umbra more noticeable.

• Corona: Without doubt, the highlight of any total solar eclipse is the gossamer corona, which is visible only if the sky is relatively clear and transparent.

• Animal behavior: Any wildlife or domesticated animals in the area will exhibit changes in behavior.

• Shadow bands: Look for shadow bands again, along with the Moons shadow racing away from your location.

• Radio waves: During an eclipse, radio waves can be scrambled.

• Ring of fire: During an annular solar eclipse, the moon blocks all but the outer edge of the sun, creating what looks like a “ring of fire” in the sky.

It is important to note that clear skies are necessary to have the full eclipse experience, with a clear view of the Sun and Moon. However, the eerie daytime darkness associated with eclipses is still noticeable with cloud cover.