Scientists to study Sun’s mysteries during total eclipse
Day will turn into night across a swathe of northern Spain on Aug 12, when the Moon will cover the Sun during a rare total solar eclipse.
Scientists are preparing to use a rare total solar eclipse visible from Spain next week as a unique opportunity to investigate the Sun’s powerful and unpredictable activity.
When the Moon completely blocks the Sun on Aug. 12, researchers will study the star’s magnetic field, atmosphere and violent solar weather, which can sometimes disrupt life and technology on Earth.
Total solar eclipses have helped scientists make major discoveries throughout history. During a 1919 eclipse observed from the West African island of Principe, British astronomer Arthur Eddington confirmed Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity by studying how the Sun’s gravity bent the light of distant stars.
