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Prepare to witness a stunning celestial event as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow over Mexico, the United States, and Canada this Monday, creating a total solar eclipse. Millions will observe this rare occurrence, briefly transforming day into night.
As the moon aligns perfectly with the sun and Earth, a phenomenon known as syzygy, spectators will be captivated by a moment of wonder. Totality, when the sun's light is completely blocked, is an emotional experience. Despite knowing it's approaching, the sudden darkness is unexpected, evoking a sense of awe.
To fully embrace this cosmic event, grab your eclipse glasses, enjoy eclipse-themed treats, and play a stellar-themed playlist ("Total Eclipse of the Heart," perhaps?). It's time to immerse yourself in cosmic wonder
and whimsy.
High-altitude aircraft will soar into the eclipse's path to unravel mysteries about the sun. NASA will launch three sounding rockets from its Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia to measure the sun's impact on Earth's upper atmosphere, the ionosphere. Additionally, NASA's WB-57 planes will fly at 50,000 feet to observe the sun's corona, which is millions of degrees hotter than its surface.
During the eclipse, the faint corona will be visible, providing researchers with a detailed view of its structures.
In other eclipse-related news, some are adjusting their eclipse-watching plans due to unexpected weather patterns. Shallow cumulus clouds, which typically dissipate during an eclipse, do not reform until after the event concludes.
While eclipse excitement is widespread, for some, eclipses are a spiritual experience. Hindus view them as bad omens, Muslims as times for prayer, and some Christians as signs of the "end times." Navajos regard eclipses as times to honor the sun and Earth.
In 1981, the space shuttle Columbia embarked on NASA's shuttle program. However, its 28th flight in 2003 ended in disaster, leading to the eventual end of the shuttle program. Learn more about this in the CNN Original Series, "Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight," premiering at 9 p.m. ET/PT Sunday.
Discover more fascinating reads before the eclipse:
- Scientists discovered new species, including a pink sea pig, during a deep-sea expedition.
- Rare photos of the endangered Indochinese leopard and flat-headed cat in Malaysia.
- Fine-art photos featuring wildlife, inspired by Jane Goodall's legacy.
Enjoyed this? Sign up [here](https://www.cnn.com/newsletter/wonder-theory) to receive more from Wonder Theory, brought to you by CNN Space and Science writers Ashley Strickland and Katie Hunt.
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