[Reading Science] Total Solar Eclipse That Also Proved Einstein's Theory

Scientists Successfully Collect Various Data
The 'Key' to Unlocking the Mysteries of the Sun

On the 8th (local time), during the total solar eclipse in North America, scientists from various countries conducted diverse research activities. This is because a total solar eclipse is a golden opportunity to observe the sun. Our observation team also secured the necessary data and photos for research using this total solar eclipse.

On the 8th, at 1:53 PM in Malvern, Arkansas, USA (3:53 AM KST on April 9), the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute observation team captured the moment of the total solar eclipse diamond ring. Photo by Myungjin Kim, Principal Researcher at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute.

This eclipse attracted extraordinary attention from the astronomical community as it was predicted to last about 4 minutes and 26 seconds. It is rare for a total solar eclipse to be sustained for this long. Usually, total solar eclipses last only about 2 minutes at most.

Because of this, scientists from not only the United States but also various countries gathered to witness this total solar eclipse. Our research team also attempted observations on-site. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute dispatched two teams to the United States, dividing regions for this eclipse research.

There were concerns that the cloudy local weather might prevent observations, but many scientists succeeded in obtaining results.

Dr. Cho Kyung-seok, who led Expedition Team 1, successfully observed the total solar eclipse in Lampasas, Texas. In a phone interview with Asia Economy, Dr. Cho said, "Although the weather forecast predicted clouds, which raised concerns about observation disruptions, we succeeded in securing data." During a total solar eclipse, updrafts form causing clouds to dissipate, so the eclipse could be confirmed even on a cloudy day.

The observation team attempted to observe the low corona region, which ranges from 1 to 4 solar radii, using the polarization camera and new polarimetric equipment, key technologies of CODEX scheduled for launch in September.

Dr. Yang Hee-soo’s team, Observation Team 2, was preparing for the eclipse in Riki, Texas, and to minimize weather impact, some members moved toward Arkansas to conduct observations.

NASA also comprehensively studied the total solar eclipse from both ground and space, including at the Glenn Research Center in Ohio, which was in the eclipse’s path.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson watched the total solar eclipse at the Glenn Research Center with Sherrod Brown, U.S. Senator from Ohio. Administrator Nelson said, "The eclipse has a special power to further advance science and discovery."

NASA is preparing to launch a sounding rocket to observe the total solar eclipse. Photo by NASA YouTube

To study this total solar eclipse, NASA launched three sounding rockets carrying scientific instruments necessary for atmospheric and near-space exploration. NASA also deployed three aircraft capable of flying near the stratosphere to observe the impact of the corona on Earth's atmosphere. Additionally, many individual scientists and private research institutes conducted observations by launching balloons and more.

Aircraft deployed by NASA to observe the total solar eclipse. Photo by NASA

A notable example highlighting the scientific importance of total solar eclipses was the verification of Einstein’s general theory of relativity in 1919. During the total solar eclipse in 1919, it was confirmed that light bends due to the sun’s gravity, marking a turning point in modern physics.