HOUSTON — We are still over two months away from this year’s total solar eclipse and parts of Texas are supposed to have a spectacular view right in the path of totality.
According to the Washington Post, this solar eclipse should pack some extra drama. That’s because the sun will be unusually active, the most active it’s been in two decades.
The sun’s activity increases and decreases as its north and south magnetic poles switch places. The natural cycle happens every 11 years and while it’s in the beginning phase, solar activity decreases. In the middle of the cycle, activity peaks. Then it drops off again near the end. This year, the sun is reaching peak activity levels right as we prepare for a total solar eclipse.
So why will that change what we see?
Normally we can’t see the sun’s outer atmosphere called the corona because the sun’s bright light overpowers it. But with the moon blocking the sun’s disk the corona will be visible with all that extra activity going on. That means bright streaks emanating from the sun -- called streamers -- pointing in all directions. It should be quite the show for those of us lucky enough to see it.