6 Minutes of Darkness: What Happens During the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse?
Have you ever wondered what it feels like when day turns into night in just seconds? The 2026 Total Solar Eclipse is not just a scientific event; it’s a profound experience that will bring up to 6 minutes of total darkness to some parts of the world.
The Science Made Simple
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes perfectly between the Earth and the Sun. Although the Sun is 400 times larger than the Moon, it is also about 400 times farther away. This “cosmic coincidence” allows the Moon to cover the Sun’s disk completely, revealing the Corona—the Sun’s outer atmosphere that we normally can’t see.
What to Expect (The “Near” Experience) The Temperature Drop: You will feel the air get colder (sometimes up to 10°C drop) as the shadow passes over you.
The Silent Birds: Nature gets confused. Birds often stop singing and return to their nests, thinking it’s nighttime.
Shadow Bands: Just before totality, you might see strange, wavy lines of light and dark on the ground, like light at the bottom of a swimming pool.
How to Watch Safely
Never look directly at the Sun without certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses—no matter how dark—will not protect your eyes from permanent damage.
Stay tuned to Clear & Near as we simplify more wonders of our universe!