Science Weekly
Horny tortoises and solar mysteries: what scientists can learn from a total eclipse
Apr 9, 2024
Solar scientist Huw Morgan and biologist Adam Hartstone-Rose discuss studying solar mysteries and animal behaviors during a total eclipse. Topics include observing the sun's corona, unique animal reactions, and insights gained from studying unusual behaviors like anxious giraffes and active tortoises.
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Quick takeaways
- Scientists studied the sun's corona during the eclipse to unravel mysteries of its extreme heat and magnetic fields.
- Biologist observed diverse animal behaviors during the eclipse, suggesting complex responses triggered by celestial events.
Deep dives
Studying the Sun's Mysterious Corona During the Total Solar Eclipse
During the recent total solar eclipse, scientists had a unique opportunity to study the sun's corona, a million-degree plasma surrounding the sun, which holds mysteries about its extreme heat and magnetic fields. The eclipse provided a rare chance to observe this faint corona, typically impossible to view, with great clarity and inexpensively. Scientists, led by Professor Hugh Morgan, aimed to solve the puzzle of why the corona is hotter than the sun's visible surface, contrary to what is expected in cooling patterns from a heat source.
