Total Solar Eclipse April 8

 Today our sky is full of unique magic, a total solar eclipse is occuring over Mexico, the United States of America, and Canada. "Total solar eclipses provide rare opportunities for scientists to observe the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere), where the solar wind originates. These observations help scientists predict space weather events that may impact human and robotic space exploration, and affect the technology on Earth that humans rely on every day. Source: https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-releases-new-solar-eclipse-educational-materials/ 

Basically, "when the Earth, Moon, and Sun line up in space, we can see an eclipse. NASA studies eclipses from the ground, in our atmosphere, and in space, influencing solar, planetary, and Earth science. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. After the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044. We can’t normally see the corona ­– the Sun’s outer atmosphere – because the Sun’s surface below it is so much brighter. But during a total solar eclipse, the corona becomes visible, offering unique opportunities to study it. When the Moon completely blocks the visible surface of the Sun during a total solar eclipse, viewers can remove their eclipse glasses. A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where eclipse glasses can be momentarily removed. When a solar eclipse reaches totality, nocturnal wildlife sometimes wakes up, thinking that it’s nighttime, and non-nocturnal wildlife might think it’s time to head to sleep! From 1:00p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT watch on NASA+ " Source: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/

Here are some photos from various youtube pages:

We found it interesting that some animals that are normally nocturnal may suffer some confusion, from this adorable book series we have began collecting there is a book about such creatures who may be at risk:

Reading Pippi we found she is a Thing Collector who found a seashell, perhaps like one from our sticker learning booklet: 

A truly talented and unique activity was to listen to two podcasts from Busy Kids Do Piano: 

We learnt from the first one on the sun solar eclipse that, "A tone poem, also known as a symphonic poem, is a 

form of orchestral music that tells a story or creates a specific 

mood, image, or atmosphere. Strauss's Alpine Symphony is a 

splendid musical representation of the sun's power and beauty." Source: https://busykidsdopiano.com/podcast/119/

In the second show about moons we learnt, 

"Next on our lunar journey is Antonín Dvořák's "Song to the Moon" 

from his opera Rusalka. “Song to the Moon” is an aria. An aria is 

like a special song sung by just one person in an opera. It's when a 

singer gets to shine all on their own, telling a story or sharing their 

feelings with the audience. It's usually a really beautiful and 

emotional part of the show, where the singer can show off their 

amazing voice and connect with everyone listening. So, think of it 

as a superstar moment for the singer! In this aria, the water nymph 

Rusalka sings a heartfelt plea theartfelt plea to the moon, asking it to convey a  message of love to the Prince. Dvořák's exquisite melody and lush 

orchestration perfectly capture the ethereal beauty of the moonlit night. 

Let's listen.

Can you feel the longing in Rusalka's voice as she sings to the moon? 

Dvořák's "Song to the Moon" is a poignant reminder of the moon's 

symbolic power to inspire love and longing. Here are some of the lyrics 

of the aria: 

Moon, high and deep in the sky 

Your light sees far, 

You travel around the wide world, 

And see into people’s homes. 

Moon, stand still a while 

And tell me where is my dear. 

Tell him, silvery moon, 

That I am embracing him.”

Source:

https://busykidsdopiano.com/podcast/120/