How the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Will Uniquely Impact Animals and the Environment

On April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cast a shadow across North America, momentarily turning day into night along a narrow path from Mexico to Canada.

During the few minutes of totality when the moon completely blocks the sun, the eclipse will have surprising effects on animals, plants, and even the weather.

Birds may go silent and retreat to their nests, fooled into thinking night has fallen. Shadows cast by the moon will form peculiar snake-like shapes on the ground. The rapid temperature drop in the path of totality may cause pop-up thunderstorms.

These are just some of the unusual natural phenomena that will accompany the first total solar eclipse over mainland U.S. in over 40 years.

For the millions of people witnessing totality, the eclipse will be an unforgettable display in the sky. But the celestial event will also create unique and fleeting changes here on the ground.