The Sun
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![A photographer takes a picture of the sun through the clouds at the Villarica volcano sky center refuge, in Pucon, Chile on December 13, 2020.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ArjZCQsVdCT3cFYqNBmsXj-320-80.jpg)
What happens if it's cloudy for the April 8 solar eclipse?
By Joe Rao published
Though everyone is hoping for clear skies, here's what might happen if an eclipse-chaser's worst enemy — clouds — decides to make an appearance.
![Solar eclipses have inspired fear and wonder in humans for thousands of years.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9w2eTH8RxfY6V5H3TMhZbb-320-80.jpg)
'Zeus made night from mid-day': Terror and wonder in ancient accounts of solar eclipses
By Isobel Whitcomb published
For millennia, solar eclipses like the upcoming one on April 8 have inspired awe, wonder and fear. Here are some of the most intriguing accounts of solar eclipses from ancient Greece to the Mayan empire.
![An illustration of a coronal mass ejection blasting out of the sun toward Earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r6UvoGpfDM9icmP2TQvv6j-320-80.jpg)
What if the Carrington Event, the largest solar storm ever recorded, happened today?
By Charles Q. Choi last updated
If a solar storm as big as the Carrington Event struck today, it could lead to years long power outages.
![Children wearing solar eclipse glasses look at the sun](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FaTEDwQKqioRoQ9FjNtHrF-320-80.jpg)
Solar eclipse glasses: Where to buy a safe, certified pair before April 8
By Brandon Specktor last updated
With less than two weeks before the April 8 total solar eclipse in North America, it's time to get your certified solar eclipse glasses before they sell out. Just make sure you're buying from an approved vendor.
![A close-up of the sun's disk during a total eclipse reveals fiery solar prominences.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c3BBRGNMdezXxHjYgyndph-320-80.jpg)
Enormous explosions may be visible on the sun during the April 8 solar eclipse
By Jamie Carter published
When the moon fully covers the sun on April 8, viewers will have a rare view of the sun's corona, and everything that explodes out of it.
![Looped video footage of a CME launching into space](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KUj69U9wyQdQPez4zaD57k-320-80.gif)
Earth hit by radiation from rare 'double' X-class solar flare, triggering most powerful geomagnetic storm in 6 years
By Harry Baker published
A recent X-class flare, which was split into two simultaneous explosions, launched a coronal mass ejection that smashed into Earth, triggering the most powerful disruption to our planet's magnetic field for more than six years.
![Solar eclipse through misty clouds and a dark sky.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Ke76evWJU6sM8ZPcC9izvi-320-80.jpg)
Why low-level clouds vanish during a solar eclipse
By Katherine Kornei, Eos.org published
Cumulus clouds rapidly dissipate as the land surface cools. This isn't just good news for eclipse chasers on April 8, but also has implications for sun-obscuring geoengineering efforts.
![Eclipse Viewer Images](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PXFE6SNscnKYCXqNB3tjTh-320-80.jpg)
How to make a solar eclipse viewer to safely watch the total solar eclipse on April 8
By Mindy Weisberger last updated
Don't have a pair of eclipse glasses to view the April 8 total solar eclipse? No sweat; you can make a safe and simple DIY eclipse viewer with a box, some tinfoil, and a few household craft supplies.
![Cherry Trees at blossom with sunrays near sunrise at backlight, spring.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GYEQtA2GgqA8xSbo9vJ3XH-320-80.jpg)
Spring equinox 2024: 'Equal night' brings the first full day of spring to the Northern Hemisphere
By Brandon Specktor last updated
The Spring equinox (March 19, 2024) signals the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, and a rare moment of "equal night" across the world.
![Solar eclipse through misty clouds and a dark sky.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Ke76evWJU6sM8ZPcC9izvi-320-80.jpg)
Places with the best weather to watch the April 8 solar eclipse (and what happens if it's cloudy where you are)
By Jamie Carter published
The total solar eclipse on April 8 will offer an incredible view of the fully obscured sun — but some places along the path of totality may see cloudy weather. Here's how to plan for the best view possible.
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