Studying Eclipses for Astronomical Insights

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Astronomers find studying eclipses valuable because they use them to examine the corona, the superheated plasma layer around the Sun's photosphere. While telescopes can artificially create eclipses now, it still remains essential to study natural eclipses, as they allow researchers to explore the inner corona, where interesting phenomena occur. For instance, the 1919 eclipse was crucial in validating Einstein's general theory of relativity by observing how light rays bend around massive bodies like the Sun.

The 1994 slaughter of hundreds of thousands of minority Tutsis completely reshaped the country. It also produced Africa’s most polarising leader, whose outsized power and regional influence is proving ever more divisive. How a shadow economy of gangs and clans is running Gaza (11:45). And a total solar eclipse is coming to America (20:01).

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