For the first few days of class, we learned about solar eclipses and why the eclipse on August 21 was so unique compared to other eclipses. To start, a solar eclipse is a rare occurrence in which the moon covers the sun while passing by the sun and earth. In many cases, one would only be able to see a slight shadow of the moon briefly. On the other hand, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon is perfectly aligned with the sun and earth and completely covers the sun for some time. A total solar eclipse is incredibly rare, as the last known one was around 99 years ago, and there will most likely not be another chance to see such a phenomenon in this lifetime. The only way to see the total solar eclipse was through a special pair of sunglasses, which allowed anyone to see the moon's shadow over the sun. If somebody were to look directly at the sun during that time, there would be a very high possibility that they would undergo eye damage, as the retina would have been damaged and result in possible blindness to some degree.
During our class on Monday, we not only observed the once-in-a-lifetime event, but also made observations on the environment around us. For example, one piece of qualitative data collected was the appearance clouds present before, during, and after the total solar eclipse. With the data recorded in 10 minute intervals, it was observed that during the first 10 minutes of observation, the clouds were mainly gray and were just starting to disappear. For the second 10 minute observation, there were even less clouds, and the clouds that still remained turned a whiter color. During totality when the sun was fully covered, all of the clouds completely disappeared from the sky, as well as that the sky turned much darker, becoming a more blue-gray color. Finally, 10 minutes after totality, the clouds began to reappear with a white color with the sky still remaining a slightly blue-gray color. The reason for the disappearance and change of color for the sky would most likely be because of the moon covering the sun during the day. While the clouds may have disappeared for a short time, their complete absence would affect our environment, as they are an important part of the water cycle and balance the amount of solar energy being radiated on earth (source: http://okfirst.mesonet.org/train/meteorology/Clouds.html).
One piece of quantitative data to be noted is the change in surface temperature, again in 10 minute intervals. Before totality, the temperature of the soil on the fields was just a little under room temperature, at 71.7 degrees Fahrenheit. 10 minutes before and during totality, the temperature dropped to 70.3 and 66.7 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.After totality, the temperature dropped gradually increased back to around the same temperature as the first observations. Like the clouds, the change in soil temperature is crucial for the planet as well, particularly when it comes to the germination of some flower species. For example, both marigold and cosmos flowers will grow within a week when the soil temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/flower-seeds-sprout-one-week-60864.html), and dandelion flowers will grow at a faster rate when the soil temperature is close to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (source: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html).
REFLECTION: Overall, I think that being part of the total solar eclipse was an amazing experience that will most likely never happen again in my life. I was so interested by the appearance of the moon covering the sun (through a special pair of glasses, of course), as well as making observations on the world around me while this phenomenon occurred.
During our class on Monday, we not only observed the once-in-a-lifetime event, but also made observations on the environment around us. For example, one piece of qualitative data collected was the appearance clouds present before, during, and after the total solar eclipse. With the data recorded in 10 minute intervals, it was observed that during the first 10 minutes of observation, the clouds were mainly gray and were just starting to disappear. For the second 10 minute observation, there were even less clouds, and the clouds that still remained turned a whiter color. During totality when the sun was fully covered, all of the clouds completely disappeared from the sky, as well as that the sky turned much darker, becoming a more blue-gray color. Finally, 10 minutes after totality, the clouds began to reappear with a white color with the sky still remaining a slightly blue-gray color. The reason for the disappearance and change of color for the sky would most likely be because of the moon covering the sun during the day. While the clouds may have disappeared for a short time, their complete absence would affect our environment, as they are an important part of the water cycle and balance the amount of solar energy being radiated on earth (source: http://okfirst.mesonet.org/train/meteorology/Clouds.html).
One piece of quantitative data to be noted is the change in surface temperature, again in 10 minute intervals. Before totality, the temperature of the soil on the fields was just a little under room temperature, at 71.7 degrees Fahrenheit. 10 minutes before and during totality, the temperature dropped to 70.3 and 66.7 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.After totality, the temperature dropped gradually increased back to around the same temperature as the first observations. Like the clouds, the change in soil temperature is crucial for the planet as well, particularly when it comes to the germination of some flower species. For example, both marigold and cosmos flowers will grow within a week when the soil temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/flower-seeds-sprout-one-week-60864.html), and dandelion flowers will grow at a faster rate when the soil temperature is close to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (source: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html).
REFLECTION: Overall, I think that being part of the total solar eclipse was an amazing experience that will most likely never happen again in my life. I was so interested by the appearance of the moon covering the sun (through a special pair of glasses, of course), as well as making observations on the world around me while this phenomenon occurred.