"Anticipating the Dance of Light Waves: A Guide to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse"
During the recent solar eclipse in Missouri, viewers were treated to the rare sight of "shadow bands" - undulating waves of faint light that appeared on the ground just before and after totality. These bands are caused by the refraction of light in the atmosphere, and are typically only visible during total eclipses when the sun's light is faint enough. Scientists, including Washington University professor Mike Krawczynski, were particularly excited about this year's eclipse due to the sun's increased activity, resulting in longer totality and the appearance of dramatic bursts of light at the sun's edges called "prominences." This event provided an exciting opportunity to expose the public to the wonders of science and the universe.
