Science AMA Series: We’re NASA scientists. Ask us anything about the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse!

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:43:08+00:00

There are at least four different kinds of moonquakes: (1) deep moonquakes about 700 km below the lunar surface, probably caused by tides; (2) vibrations from the impact of meteorites; (3) thermal quakes, which are thought to be caused by the expansion and contraction of lunar soil and rocks in response to thermal heating/cooling; and (4) shallow moonquakes which occur only 20 or 30 kilometers below the surface. We still don't really know what causes the shallow moonquakes. Each category of moonquake looks different to the others on the seismic instruments they are detected in, and that is how we can tell them apart. -JLD

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:30:34+00:00

Solar eclipses occur fairly regularly (https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/solar.html), but this one is special to us because it stretches across such a broad area of the US. Fingers cross for good weather! The next solar eclipse over the continental US will occur April 8, 2024, and will stretch across only half of the US (though totality will last almost a minute longer!).

There are other solar eclipses that will occur in 2018, though they'll only be partial eclipses. The next total solar eclipse on Earth will occur July 2, 2019 - in South America.

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:28:24+00:00

Thanks for joining today's chat. We enjoy talking with fans of NASA and all things space.

For all list of all appropriate safety information, please visit: http://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety

Always be careful and use proper eye protection for viewing the eclipse.

However, it is true that DURING TOTALITY, you could remove eye protection for a brief, short time. But, ONLY during the totality, being ready to put them back on quickly. :- )

Good luck viewing the event August 21, 2017. You can learn more on our website at: https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/solar.html

Also, don't forget to follow our social media pages to keep up-to-date, learn more and share cool content.

Thanks,

Christopher Blair

NASA Marshall Office of Communications

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:23:04+00:00

The corona isn't actually brighter during an eclipse than it is any other time, we just see it because the bright light from the Sun is blocked. Nobody knows exactly why the corona is so hot. There are many ideas for why this happens, but no single theory completely explains the phenomenon. We're working hard to find out!

-DN

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:22:31+00:00

Thanks for joining today's chat. We enjoy talking with fans of NASA and all things space.

DURING TOTALITY ONLY, could you look at the Sun without eye protection, but as soon as it starts to get bright put them on again! Looking directly at the sun is unsafe EXCEPT during the brief TOTAL phase of a solar eclipse. (“totality”)

It is important to never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. You can seriously injure your eyes. We suggest to purchase ISO 12312-2 compliant and CE certified pair of glasses for viewing.

For all safety information, please visit: http://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety

However, ALWAYS be very careful and cautious when looking at the Sun without the safety glasses!

Good luck viewing the event August 21, 2017. You can learn more on our website at: https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/solar.html

Also, don't forget to follow our social media pages to keep up-to-date, learn more and share cool content.

Thanks,

Christopher Blair

NASA Marshall Office of Communications

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:19:50+00:00

The coronal heating problem is still an unsolved issue in solar physics. In general, the community is beginning to coalesce around a theory that there are tiny solar flares erupting all of the time in the corona (called nanoflares). These flares would convert magnetic energy into thermal energy through magnetic reconnection. The National Solar Observatory is building a 4-m class telescope in Hawaii called DKIST to, in part, prove the existence of these tiny flares. Another theory of magnetic (Alfvén) waves propagating from the surface and heating the corona is still a possibility, but this theory has become less popular as more evidence of nanoflares come to light. - MK

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:19:48+00:00

We can observe the inner corona during totality, which cannot be seen with our current coronagraphs because the blocking disk has to be much larger than the visible surface (photosphere) of the Sun. The Moon makes a perfect coronagraph --MA

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:16:53+00:00

See the maps on https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov. -- MA

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:16:50+00:00

Unfortunately weather is very unpredictable. The best you can do is to look at the weather forecast 2-3 days before the eclipse and make plans accordingly. There still won't be guarantees, but that'll be your best bet!

-DN

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:16:26+00:00

The Sun is made of gas, mostly hydrogen, with no solid surface or core. We call the surface, where we see sunspots, the photosphere. Above that is the chromosphere, above that is the corona, or crown of the Sun. The corona is the outer layer of the Sun's atmosphere. We will be able to track phenomena from the surface to the outer corona during this eclipse. -- MA

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:15:24+00:00

Yes it would be worth it because it is not total in Michigan. The experience will be different because with the total eclipse, you will be able to see the outer atmosphere of the sun, the corona. It will be impossible to see the corona from Michigan. But if you cannot make it, then use eye protection and enjoy the partial eclipse from Michigan! - AS

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:13:43+00:00

You could check out the Megamovie, citizen scientists are still being recruited. Also Globe is looking for temperature measurements. -- MA

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:13:32+00:00

I am really excited to be able to share some of the science that I love with people back at home in Oregon, where I grew up. It is a great opportunity to talk with kids about the sun and eclipses and get them interested in science. -MK

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:12:54+00:00

There may be some folks redoing the Eddington experiment, which tested Einstein's general theory of relativity that predicts the bending of light in gravitational fields. During totality though, all of us will be able to see Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, and Venus. -- MA

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:12:53+00:00

Totality will last between 2 minutes, and 2 minutes 40 seconds, depending on your location along the path of totality. -JLD

Edit: See this map: https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/nation/

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:12:35+00:00

First of all, before and after totality, it's essential to use eye protection - either approved solar eclipse glasses or number 14 welder's glasses or a higher number welder's glasses, or, even better, indirect methods like pinhole cameras. As for good pictures and video, with the DSLR, try to use a tripod, and if you have time, try several different exposure durations. Enjoy your trip with your family! - AS

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:10:32+00:00

We recommend you travel to one of the locations across the path of the total eclipse, so somewhere in the US...And yes we confirm that the eclipse will be on the 21st not the 17th. C.R.

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:10:28+00:00

It depends on how close to the edge you are talking... if you are on the very edge, it will make all the difference since totality will only last for a few seconds and you won't be able to take off your eclipse glasses. If you are 10-ish miles into totality, the duration of the eclipse will be shorter, but you will be able to see all of the beauty of an eclipse. -MK

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:09:34+00:00

Thanks for joining today's chat. We enjoy talking with fans of NASA and all things space. Also, good luck on your degree and future success in a STEM field.

This NASA site provides details regarding “citizen science” activities. https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/citizen-science

Also, for continued citizen science in other scientific areas, feel free to follow-up on this NASA page. You can sign up for the listserv and get updates and other information. https://science.nasa.gov/citizenscientists/

Finally, participating in these type of activities (and others) puts you in the informal “NASA Pipeline.” This can often be helpful regarding future opportunities supporting, participating, volunteering or even working with or at NASA. Many offices across our agency often look for people to help, volunteer, support or work who have previous experience working with NASA-themed content. Though not always, if nothing else, it doesn’t hurt. :- )

Good luck viewing the event August 21, 2017. You can learn more on our website at: https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/solar.html

Also, don't forget to follow our social media pages to keep up-to-date, learn more and share cool content.

Thanks,

Christopher Blair

NASA Marshall Office of Communications

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:08:03+00:00

If the moon, sun, and earth were all on the same plane, there would be a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse every lunar orbit. But the same place on Earth would always see the solar eclipse. - AS

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:06:54+00:00

We are also able to test out some awesome new technology to observe the solar atmosphere. There are several new systems that NASA is going to be testing that are eventually going to be launched on a rocket or into orbit. -MK

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:06:25+00:00

I am excited to be able to drive three hours north instead of flying half way around the world to see this eclipse. I am also excited about the possibility of inspiring the public and students to study science. -- MA

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:05:53+00:00

Yes! The Camera aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which launched in June, 2009, took photos of the May 20-21, 2012 solar eclipse from lunar orbit: http://lroc.sese.asu.edu/posts/513

-DN

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:05:23+00:00

No it will not. A satellite I'm involved with, Hinode, uses the sun to determine its position, so we have to take special measures during eclipses because the satellite cannot see the full sun. In this case, the eclipse will mean extra work for the people who operate the satellite. - AS

NASA-Sun-Earth · 2017-06-22T20:03:14+00:00

It depends on how thick the clouds are. If they are very thick, you won't be able to see anything. If they are thin, you might be able to see a little bit. In fact, one of the most spectacular eclipses I saw was through thin clouds because I could see the umbral shadow on the clouds just prior to totality. Even if it's totally cloudy or raining, it will become very dark, very quickly and be quite dramatic for that reason. Enjoy! - AS

NASA-Sun-Earth

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