The Know Daily - Monday 8 April 2024

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Wolves have been spotted in Nevada for the first time in eight years, as the endangered species shows signs of a similar rebound in the neighbouring states of California and Oregon. A spokesperson from the Center for Biological Diversity described wolves as a “vital part of healthy mountain ecosystems”, adding: “there’s plenty of room for them to thrive in Nevada”.

😎 Solar spectacle

A total solar eclipse will be visible across much of North America today. 

Go on…
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon entirely blocks the face of the Sun, causing the sky to temporarily darken. Today’s spectacle will begin on the Pacific coast of Mexico just after 11am local time, before heading up and east: from Texas to New England before disappearing into Canada, explained The Independent.

How big a deal is it?
Solar eclipses aren’t uncommon - there are typically several each year - but a total eclipse is rarer. But what makes today’s event especially exciting is the sheer amount of people who will be able to catch it. 

While eclipses normally unfold in “remote corners of the globe”, this one will pass over major cities in North America. An estimated 44 million people live inside the 115-mile-wide path which will see a total eclipse (known as the ‘path of totality’) with darkness expected to last up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds, reported Associated Press.

Almost everyone in North America will be able to see at least a partial eclipse - just make sure you wear suitable eye protection!

Will we see it from the UK?
That’s TBC! While people in northern and western parts of the UK and Ireland might just be able to catch a partial eclipse, this isn’t guaranteed, given that it will take place near sunset. And considering that the UK won’t see a full solar eclipse until 2090 (!), you might prefer to watch a livestream of today’s one instead.