The total solar eclipse in 2024 will be dramatic but also ‘chaotic’; to understand

per day The next total solar eclipse visible to residents of North America will occur on April 8, 2024. Total solar eclipses are considered rarer events as they occur in specific regions where the Moon, Earth and Sun are seemingly aligned, causing the effect of complete blocking of the Sun – the duration is around four minutes.

These events occur in the same places, on average, every 375 years. For example, a total solar eclipse last occurred in Brazil in November 1994, while the next one is only expected to occur in August 2045.

Next A total solar eclipse is considered a rarer event than traditional because it can coincide with solar maximum.. The Sun goes through a solar cycle that becomes more intense every 11 years until it reaches solar maximum, which is expected to occur between 2024 and 2025.

“During the 2024 eclipse, the Sun will be at or near solar maximum, and the magnetic field will look more like a tangled ball of fur. Emitters will likely be visible throughout the corona. Additionally, viewers will have a chance to see the highlights at their best. — Bright pink tendrils rising from the Sun or those that look like bows,” the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) explains in a release.

Some officials in the United States He issued an emergency warning for those planning to attend the event. In some parts of the country, government messages recommend people stock up on food, water and gasoline to avoid further trouble.

So why exactly can a total solar eclipse become so dangerous and chaotic? To answer this question, we gathered official information from the US government and experts in the field.

Beautiful astronomical event that can turn into a headache

An alert from Lorain County in the US says officials are predicting crowds during a total solar eclipse. They also asked residents to be prepared for potential problems such as co-managed lanes, overwhelmed hospitals, intermittent mobile phone networks, among others.

As described on the Lorain County website, Preparation includes stocking up on gas, food and drinks, avoiding unnecessary appointments scheduled for April 8, 2024, and canceling trips planned during this period.

But is some kind of apocalypse predicted after all? The simplest answer: no. What happens is that the district wants to avoid any kind of chaotic congestion during the event.

“We may have unusual crowds here. We’re not prepared for that in terms of infrastructure, we don’t have roads,” Lorain County spokesman Dave Freeman said in a message on the website. America today.

Since it is a rare natural phenomenon, many people are likely to travel to rural areas to observe this phenomenon under clearer skies. For this reason, the district recommends that residents be prepared for any problems that may cause traffic congestion in the area.

Experts say human overload will not only be a problem in Lorain, but similar problems are likely to occur elsewhere in the United States. Millions of people are expected to travel to places where total solar eclipse viewing is better, but these regions are not ready to host that many people.

“Across the country, interstate highways near totality experienced traffic congestion shortly after the eclipse and longer-than-usual travel times on interstate highways. For example, traveling from Casper, Wyoming to Denver, Colorado—usually a 4-hour drive— Lasted 10 hours or more Traffic congestion on rural interstates lasted up to 13 hours after the eclipse [de 2017]” Transport Research News transport engineering consultant Jonathan Upchurch told the website: IFLSscience.

Solar maximum and risk of telecommunications outages

Since the eclipse could occur during the solar maximum, experts say 2024 could be marked by a major internet outage and other problems with electricity networks. Of course, this could happen at another time of the year, or it might not happen at all.

Lately, New York State Police have issued a warning suggesting that the next total solar eclipse will also affect cell phone networks. in areas with the best visibility to observe the phenomenon. Excessive use of mobile phones and mobile internet will be responsible for this possible telecommunications disruption.

Some North American operators have already spoken out about possible problems with the eclipse, stating: They are strengthening their networks to avoid slowdowns or other impacts caused by traffic congestion.

“T-Mobile is working hand-in-hand with state and local officials to address anticipated increases in network traffic and ensure uninterrupted connectivity for everyone. Whether you’re facing massive data usage influxes or high demand, our network is the biggest, fastest, and most Ulf Ewaldsson, T-Mobile’s chief technology officer, said, “This award given in the country covers everyone.”

Did you like the content? Stay up to date with more interesting facts about solar eclipses at TecMundo. If you wish, take the opportunity to understand what the Saros Cycle is and how it predicts eclipses.