North Texas

Solar Eclipse Will Affect Air Temperature

A total solar eclipse expected to happen Aug. 21 will have an effect on the air temperature.

Areas in the path of totality will see the moon completely cover the sun. During this time, it will go from full daylight to darkness and back in a 2 to 3 minute span.

When the sun sets overnight, our temperature drops. The same thing happens during a total eclipse as the moon's shadow will cause a temporary drop in temperature. Here is an example from 2001 when a total eclipse passed over Zambia and dropped the air temperature almost 15 degrees.

sam nasa temp
NASA

The graph shows temperature measurements made by NASA astronomer Mitzi Adams using a Thermochron Temperature Logger. You can clearly see the temperature drop during totality, then the rise once the sun reappears.

North Texas is not in the path of totality, but we will see a partial solar eclipse.

sam19

If you are traveling somewhere along the path of totality it may be hard for you to measure the temperature drop on your own. The eclipse will be quick and your thermometer may not register the temperature change quickly enough.

If this is something you want to try, NASA recommends you test your thermometer ahead of time. Measure your indoor air temperature, then carry the thermometer outside and measure how long it takes to make a stable reading on the outdoor temperature. This will help you gauge how quickly your thermometer can respond to the temperature change.

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