All about Maine’s total solar eclipse

WRITTEN BY JOSH DEAKIN

On April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse will makeits way across North America. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the view of the Sun. In the path of totality, the sky will dim as if it’s twilight with only a glowing halo or corona of the Sun visible from behind the Moon.

The path of totality of this particular eclipse is scheduled to go right over the state of Maine, offering a rare chance to experience this astronomical phenomenon. There is a huge difference from 99% to totality, experts say, and while all of Maine will experience the eclipse, you need to be in the umbral shadow (path of totality) to see the corona and experience it fully.

Eclipses are a unique experience that offer an excellent time for scientific discoveries. Astronomers across the path of the eclipse are gearing up for what is sure to be an exciting event.

“Eclipses are one of nature’s most incredible spectacles and give us a chance to study the corona in a way only possible during a total solar eclipse. Some major discoveries that have been made during total solar eclipses include the discovery of helium in 1868 and verification of Einstein’s theory of relativity of 1919,” said Shawn Laatsch, director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center at the University of Maine in Orono.

The corona is the outermost part of the Sun’s atmosphere. Hidden by the bright surface of the Sun or photosphere, total eclipses are the only way we can observe the corona from Earth.

“Modern science looks at total eclipses to better understand how the Sun works,” Laatsch said. Solar winds, created by the outward expansion of plasma from the Sun’s corona, have numerous effects on Earth. Solar winds can create an aurora or Northern Lights, as well as interfere with satellites, mobile phone communications, and power grids, Laatsch said.

“It is also important for astronauts on board the International Space Station and ones who will travel to the Moon and beyond,” Laatsch said. “The Sun is our nearest star and the source of all space weather which affects our planet.”

The Versant Power Astronomy Center team will be traveling to Jackman, Maine to be on the centerline of totality. This is the line in the direct center of the eclipse, and will have the longest duration of totality.

“I’m the Northeast regional coordinator for the CATE2024 (Continental American Telescopic Eclipse) project, which will be taking polarity measurements of the corona,” Laatsch said. “The project will be setting up 35 stations from Texas to Maine to measure and image the corona during the eclipse. My four grad students will be assisting with this project. We will be making public observations on April 8, and doing stargazing the night of April 7, both from the Jackman Town Offices. These are free events and we invite anyone who would like to join us.”

There are a few key things to remember when viewing an eclipse.

“It’s very important everyone understands that you cannot look at this with your bare eye,” said Dr. Neil Comins of the Physics and Astronomy Department at UMaine.

“You should never look at the Sun without using a solar filter as it can damage your eyes,” Laatsch said. “Solar filter glasses are usually inexpensive and block out 99.9% of the light and heat making it safe for viewing. Sunglasses do NOT protect your eyes, they just reduce glare, so make sure to use a proper solar filter or ‘eclipse glasses,’” Laatsch said.

The Versant Power Astronomy Center & Jordan Planetarium in Orono will be hosting public programs during March and April for the eclipse and is offering special school field trips sharing how to safely view this phenomena. Visit astro.umaine.edu for more information on this eclipse, and where and how to safely see it.

“I’ll be doing presentations at both the Orono andBangor Public Libraries sharing how to see this eclipse,” Laatsch said. “The last time we had totality here in Maine was in 1963 and the next time after April 8 of this year will be 2079. I urge folks to try to see this very special celestial event if at all possible.”