we re were different. one way predictions were different. one way to test that would be to look at the position of known stars during the moment of and a eclipse because you would be able to see the stars without the sunlight blocking it. but the way the light was coming in would be deflected by the mass of the sun itself, in the late itself deflected by the sun. snowing the position very, very accurately and knowing how it appeared in the pictures they were trying to take would allow was to work out whether einstein was right were newton and it turns out einstein was correct. fascinating insights there. great to have you with us, edward. we cannot go over to our correspondent in texas. —— we cannot now. bring this up with the latest, how is the eclipse regressing? ll

how is the eclipse regressing? it has gone a bit cold meaning it is getting — has gone a bit cold meaning it is getting to — has gone a bit cold meaning it is getting to that point, it has gone darker_ getting to that point, it has gone darker as— getting to that point, it has gone darker as well. i have my safe sunglasses on and if you don't mind, i'm just _ sunglasses on and if you don't mind, i'm just looking. so an hour ago it said it _ i'm just looking. so an hour ago it said it looked like the moon had nibbted — said it looked like the moon had nibbled the sun but now it has a fairly— nibbled the sun but now it has a fairly even— nibbled the sun but now it has a fairly even in its way in, it is like— fairly even in its way in, it is like a— fairly even in its way in, it is like a crescent and people are just getting _ like a crescent and people are just getting so— like a crescent and people are just getting so excited. there were loads of cheers _ getting so excited. there were loads of cheers i— getting so excited. there were loads of cheers. i am actually in this camping — of cheers. i am actually in this camping park and there are up to, 3000— camping park and there are up to, 3000 people here, but families are here, _ 3000 people here, but families are here, i_ 3000 people here, but families are here, i don't know if you canjust see here — here, i don't know if you canjust see here camping with their children _ see here camping with their children. all with their camera, phones — children. all with their camera, phones as— children. all with their camera, phones as well. those phones do have fitters _ phones as well. those phones do have filters on _ phones as well. those phones do have filters on them and people are just staring _ filters on them and people are just staring at — filters on them and people are just staring at the sky, waiting for that moment— staring at the sky, waiting for that moment of— staring at the sky, waiting for that moment of totality which is due to happen— moment of totality which is due to happen in— moment of totality which is due to happen in about eight minute's time and we— happen in about eight minute's time and we witi— happen in about eight minute's time and we will get up to four minutes of darkness which is quite a long time _ of darkness which is quite a long time so— of darkness which is quite a long time. so people are just ready for it now _

time. so people are “ust ready for it now. �* time. so people are “ust ready for itnow.�* . time. so people are “ust ready for itnow.�* , ,., it now. i'm crossing my fingers for ou to it now. i'm crossing my fingers for you to make _ it now. i'm crossing my fingers for you to make sure _ it now. i'm crossing my fingers for you to make sure you _ it now. i'm crossing my fingers for you to make sure you get - it now. i'm crossing my fingers for you to make sure you get that - it now. i'm crossing my fingers for| you to make sure you get that over four minutes of hard earned totality, travelling all the way there to texas. we also now know that in eagle pass where we were just speaking to angelica, they are officially now in totality. it is so it is of course, coming your way. you are mentioning families there camping, people have travelled an awful long way here in the united states to be able to witness this moment in history. you were covering the super bowl, this feels like super bowl times ten. that the super bowl, this feels like super bowl times ten.- the super bowl, this feels like super bowl times ten. that is such a good comparison — super bowl times ten. that is such a good comparison with _ super bowl times ten. that is such a good comparison with the _ super bowl times ten. that is such a good comparison with the super- super bowl times ten. that is such a l good comparison with the super bowl. you have _ good comparison with the super bowl. you have people who have been planning — you have people who have been planning this for some time, but i also met— planning this for some time, but i also met an — planning this for some time, but i also met an astrophysicist who was on a sabbatical and he decided, i'm 'ust on a sabbatical and he decided, i'm just going _ on a sabbatical and he decided, i'm just going to pack my stuff in a car and come — just going to pack my stuff in a car and come last minute and he is actually— and come last minute and he is actually in _ and come last minute and he is actually in the park all ready to watch — actually in the park all ready to watch the _ actually in the park all ready to watch the solar eclipse. just an hour— watch the solar eclipse. just an hour ago— watch the solar eclipse. just an hour ago i_ watch the solar eclipse. just an hour ago i also spoke to this lady

who has— hour ago i also spoke to this lady who has come from germany. she is a self—described total a eclipse chaser~ — self—described total a eclipse chaser. so this is her fourth time, here _ chaser. so this is her fourth time, here to _ chaser. so this is her fourth time, here to see — chaser. so this is her fourth time, here to see her best friend who was american _ here to see her best friend who was american. this is her first time. so it was— american. this is her first time. so it was realty— american. this is her first time. so it was really sweet. she said i'm going _ it was really sweet. she said i'm going to — it was really sweet. she said i'm going to guide her on how to enjoy the experience. i did say something controversial. i mentioned the weather — controversial. i mentioned the weather. it is the curveball. it is quite _ weather. it is the curveball. it is quite cloudy at the moment. we are all praying _ quite cloudy at the moment. we are all praying that those clouds clear. but one _ all praying that those clouds clear. but one of— all praying that those clouds clear. but one of the lady said to me, she is in no _ but one of the lady said to me, she is in no doubt that it is going to be perfect _ is in no doubt that it is going to be perfect. so we have about six minutes — be perfect. so we have about six minutes for it to be perfect so we can see _ minutes for it to be perfect so we can see that amazing corona. | minutes for it to be perfect so we can see that amazing corona. i have m finaers can see that amazing corona. i have my fingers crossed _ can see that amazing corona. i have my fingers crossed for _ can see that amazing corona. i have my fingers crossed for you. - can see that amazing corona. i have my fingers crossed for you. i - can see that amazing corona. i have my fingers crossed for you. i have l my fingers crossed for you. i have to say with the bbc we are used to discussing whether and we can deal with anything, it must be set. you mentioned there someone travelled all the way from germany, it has beenin all the way from germany, it has been in economic boom for the united states, trafficjams, hotels booked

out, flights booked out,? states, traffic jams, hotels booked out, flights booked out,? everything is almost five _ out, flights booked out,? everything is almost five or _ out, flights booked out,? everything is almost five or ten _ out, flights booked out,? everything is almost five or ten times _ is almost five or ten times expensive as before. people are utilising — expensive as before. people are utilising the opportunity. i did see on social— utilising the opportunity. i did see on social media, i should say i don't — on social media, ishould say i don't know— on social media, i should say i don't know how accurate it was, but i don't know how accurate it was, but i can— don't know how accurate it was, but i can believe — don't know how accurate it was, but i can believe it, this map of america _ i can believe it, this map of america and that path of totality which _ america and that path of totality which crosses through the three countries — which crosses through the three countries of north america, but through— countries of north america, but through the heartlands of america, it was— through the heartlands of america, it wasiust — through the heartlands of america, it wasjust so through the heartlands of america, it was just so dotted in terms of all of— it was just so dotted in terms of all of the — it was just so dotted in terms of all of the hotels that have been booked — all of the hotels that have been booked out. so this is a huge economic— booked out. so this is a huge economic boom, particularly here, this is— economic boom, particularly here, this is a _ economic boom, particularly here, this is a historic park, open to the public _ this is a historic park, open to the public i_ this is a historic park, open to the public. i don't think they are charging _ public. i don't think they are charging much for people to be here, but as— charging much for people to be here, but as well— charging much for people to be here, but as well as the economic boom, there _ but as well as the economic boom, there is— but as well as the economic boom, there is also— but as well as the economic boom, there is also this total community feel about — there is also this total community feel about it. everyone is so unified _ feel about it. everyone is so unified and excited to experience what _ unified and excited to experience what we — unified and excited to experience what we know and what has been described — what we know and what has been described as a once—in—a—lifetime

opportunity. described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity-— opportunity. absolutely, there is somethina opportunity. absolutely, there is something quite _ opportunity. absolutely, there is something quite egalitarian - opportunity. absolutely, there is. something quite egalitarian incident compared to super bowl tickets, taylor swift tickets. this is a natural phenomenon, something we can step outside and of course, with up every eye gear, just take a look at. i do want to ask on a personal note, have you ever seen a total solar eclipse before? what are you most looking forward to? l eclipse before? what are you most looking forward to?— looking forward to? i have never seen one before _ looking forward to? i have never seen one before so _ looking forward to? i have never seen one before so this - looking forward to? i have never seen one before so this is - looking forward to? i have never seen one before so this is a - seen one before so this is a professional thing, seen one before so this is a professionalthing, but seen one before so this is a professional thing, but also personal. it is really exciting and one thing — personal. it is really exciting and one thing i— personal. it is really exciting and one thing i keep asking those who have seen— one thing i keep asking those who have seen it, to describe it and they— have seen it, to describe it and they all— have seen it, to describe it and they all say it is hard to articulate. but one thing they also say is _ articulate. but one thing they also say is it— articulate. but one thing they also say is it is— articulate. but one thing they also say is it is notjust a visual thing _ say is it is notjust a visual thing of— say is it is notjust a visual thing. of course you want to see that corona, you want to see the diamond. — that corona, you want to see the diamond, all of the different phases, _ diamond, all of the different phases, but it is a multisensory experience _ phases, but it is a multisensory experience as we have been hearing throughout— experience as we have been hearing throughout bbc news today. it is about _ throughout bbc news today. it is about the temperature is dropping,

it is about — about the temperature is dropping, it is about being an full darkness and having your personal moment with that. and having your personal moment with that it _ and having your personal moment with that it is _ and having your personal moment with that. it is about nocturnal animals, it is about — that. it is about nocturnal animals, it is about everything. so that is what _ it is about everything. so that is what people are saying. i have also been _ what people are saying. i have also been advised by an astrophysicist that i_ been advised by an astrophysicist that liust — been advised by an astrophysicist that ijust mentioned here, he said, put on _ that ijust mentioned here, he said, put on your— that ijust mentioned here, he said, put on your phone, just enjoy it. this— put on your phone, just enjoy it. this attempting to get your phone out and _ this attempting to get your phone out and i— this attempting to get your phone out and i am guilty of doing so. you should _ out and i am guilty of doing so. you should have — out and i am guilty of doing so. you should have a solar filter on it, but he — should have a solar filter on it, but he said _ should have a solar filter on it, but he said just put it down and 'ust but he said just put it down and just enjoy— but he said just put it down and just enjoy the four minutes of what will be _ just enjoy the four minutes of what will be an— just enjoy the four minutes of what will be an indescribable experience. absolutely. i fully intend to take the advice. i think we have one of the advice. i think we have one of the bestjobs today for the bbc. great to talk to you and fully enjoy that moment. great to talk to you. we can now go over to anita in maryland in the united states. she is the strategic partnership managerfor united states. she is the strategic partnership manager for nasa. united states. she is the strategic partnership managerfor nasa. great to have you with us. this must be

huge for nasa, how exciting is it? so exciting, my colleagues are thrilled, many are travelling there and many are talking about the science but also talk about how excited they are to have this experience. is excited they are to have this experience-_ excited they are to have this experience. excited they are to have this exerience. , ., , experience. is there anything in articular experience. is there anything in particular that _ experience. is there anything in particular that they _ experience. is there anything in particular that they will - experience. is there anything in particular that they will be - experience. is there anything in i particular that they will be looking for in terms of the scientific perspective with this particular eclipse? perspective with this particular eclise? ~ , ~ perspective with this particular eclise? ~ , . ., eclipse? absolutely. we have research guests _ eclipse? absolutely. we have research guests called - eclipse? absolutely. we have research guests called the - eclipse? absolutely. we have| research guests called the wb eclipse? absolutely. we have i research guests called the wb 57 which will apply at 50,000 feet so mostly above the earth's atmosphere carrying, actually they are already carrying, actually they are already carrying research equipment. they are following the path of totality across mexico to be able to maximise their time there. so they are going to be looking at the lower and middle corona, the atmosphere of the sun. because we do not get as good a fit as you do with anything else as you do with the moon to be able to

see that corona. so they will be trying to identify structures within corona to increase our understanding of the corona because of course that creates space weather which affects here on earth. they are also going to try to understand the temperature and chemical composition of the particles that come off of the sun that again affect us here on earth. finally, on the aeroplanes, amateur radio operators are going to have a listening party. they are going to be listening to see how far their communication signals travel in the ionosphere. that is the uppermost layer of the earth's atmosphere where most of our communications travel. �* , ., ., where most of our communications travel. �* , . ., ., travel. i'm “ust hearing that we are neanna travel. i'm just hearing that we are nearing totality _ travel. i'm just hearing that we are nearing totality in _ travel. i'm just hearing that we are nearing totality in texas. _ travel. i'm just hearing that we are nearing totality in texas. we - travel. i'm just hearing that we are nearing totality in texas. we have | nearing totality in texas. we have about 44 million people here in the united states who will be in the path of totality. we are here in ohio, but i need, for those who are not in the path of totality, we have

about 99% of americans who will have some chance of encountering the eclipse, being it partial orfull form. that is huge, is it not? it is form. that is huge, is it not? it is extremely — form. that is huge, is it not? it is extremely huge. _ form. that is huge, is it not? it is extremely huge. this _ form. that is huge, is it not? it 3 extremely huge. this is a life altering experience for some people. i am going to have a partial of eclipse, it is to started here in maryland. it will peak in around lio minutes' time. i cannot wait to go outside in experience this with my children, my dad is already here and my mother—in—law are sitting on the back porch. it is a bonding event for yourfamily, friends, community. for your family, friends, community. the for yourfamily, friends, community. the all that you can experience from this type of the celestial event is invaluable. this type of the celestial event is invaluable-— this type of the celestial event is invaluable. . . . , ,, invaluable. strategic partnerships mana . er at invaluable. strategic partnerships manager at nasa _ invaluable. strategic partnerships manager at nasa there _ invaluable. strategic partnerships manager at nasa there in - invaluable. strategic partnerships i manager at nasa there in maryland, anita, have a great time going out with yourfamily, take it anita, have a great time going out with your family, take it all anita, have a great time going out with yourfamily, take it all in anita, have a great time going out with your family, take it all in and thank you so much for being with us. thank you so much. brute

thank you so much for being with us. thank you so much.— thank you so much. we can go back over now to — thank you so much. we can go back over now to our _ correspondent in texas who is experiencing as you can hear, that all—important moment. what does it feel like? all-important moment. what does it feel like? ., ., feel like? you come right on time. it has happened. _ feel like? you come right on time. it has happened. i'm _ feel like? you come right on time. it has happened. i'm look- feel like? you come right on time. it has happened. i'm look to - feel like? you come right on time. i it has happened. i'm look to take my sunglasses _ it has happened. i'm look to take my sunglasses off. wow, oh my gosh. people _ sunglasses off. wow, oh my gosh. people have got their phones out and it isiust _ people have got their phones out and it isjust amazing. you can see it is like _ it isjust amazing. you can see it is like a — it isjust amazing. you can see it is like a halo _ it isjust amazing. you can see it is like a halo around the sun and the moon— is like a halo around the sun and the moon are now aligned and it is now moving — the moon are now aligned and it is now moving through the clouds. and now moving through the clouds. and now we _ now moving through the clouds. and now we are — now moving through the clouds. and now we are in total darkness. it is exactly _ now we are in total darkness. it is exactly how — now we are in total darkness. it is exactly how everyone described it to me who _ exactly how everyone described it to me who have seen it which is that it is indescribable. i don't know if you can — is indescribable. i don't know if you can see, i don't know if you are

seeing _ you can see, idon't know if you are seeing that— you can see, i don't know if you are seeing that but i can tell you what is happening here on the grounds. children— is happening here on the grounds. childrenjust standing up and complete awe, this is an area where families— complete awe, this is an area where families have come for the night and day to— families have come for the night and day to watch this huge phenomenon. people _ day to watch this huge phenomenon. people are _ day to watch this huge phenomenon. people are clapping, it is thrilling. it is a really thrilling moment~ _ thrilling. it is a really thrilling moment. �* ., ., ., moment. i'm so glad to hear you there experiencing _ moment. i'm so glad to hear you there experiencing it _ moment. i'm so glad to hear you there experiencing it in - moment. i'm so glad to hear you there experiencing it in full- there experiencing it in full totality. hearing people cheering. i wonder apart from the fact it has gone dark, do you notice any changes, does it feel colder? it changes, does it feel colder? it feels much colder. it definitely feels _ feels much colder. it definitely feels much colder. it definitely feels much colder. it definitely feels much colder. it's like night time _ feels much colder. it's like night time that — feels much colder. it's like night time. that is what it is, isn't it? it time. that is what it is, isn't it? it has _ time. that is what it is, isn't it? it has gone _ time. that is what it is, isn't it? it has gone from day to night and it has gone _ it has gone from day to night and it has gone really cold. people are in awe _ has gone really cold. people are in awe 0ne — has gone really cold. people are in awe. one woman said to me you will -et awe. one woman said to me you will get two _ awe. one woman said to me you will get two kinds of reaction, you will have _ get two kinds of reaction, you will have those — get two kinds of reaction, you will have those who will be screaming, who will—

have those who will be screaming, who will be — have those who will be screaming, who will be in complete awe of it and those — who will be in complete awe of it and those who will sit there quietly taking _ and those who will sit there quietly taking it _ and those who will sit there quietly taking it in — and those who will sit there quietly taking it in. and we have definitely -ot taking it in. and we have definitely got those — taking it in. and we have definitely got those types of people there. some _ got those types of people there. some who are just sat here with their— some who are just sat here with theiriaws — some who are just sat here with theirjaws open, watching it. knowing _ theirjaws open, watching it. knowing that, we are so lucky to be witnessing — knowing that, we are so lucky to be witnessing this. this is an amazing moment~ — witnessing this. this is an amazing moment. that is not going to happen for another— moment. that is not going to happen for another two decades across america — for another two decades across america. it is awesome. as for another two decades across america. it is awesome. as you say, awesome you _ america. it is awesome. as you say, awesome you are — america. it is awesome. as you say, awesome you are witnessing - america. it is awesome. as you say, awesome you are witnessing a - awesome you are witnessing a once—in—a—lifetime experience. what does it look like, just describe what you are seeing the sun right now? , , .. , what you are seeing the sun right now? , , ~ , what you are seeing the sun right now? , , ~' , , now? the sun is like this ball “ust movin: now? the sun is like this ball “ust moving through i now? the sun is like this ball “ust moving through the i now? the sun is like this ball “ust moving through the sky �* now? the sun is like this ball “ust moving through the sky and h now? the sun is like this balljust moving through the sky and it. now? the sun is like this balljust moving through the sky and it is. moving through the sky and it is surrounded by lights, it is like a halo _ surrounded by lights, it is like a halo it— surrounded by lights, it is like a halo it is— surrounded by lights, it is like a halo it is a _ surrounded by lights, it is like a halo. it is a bald with this white halo _ halo. it is a bald with this white haloiust— halo. it is a bald with this white halojust drifting halo. it is a bald with this white halo just drifting through the sky aimlessly. it was cloudy before so there _ aimlessly. it was cloudy before so there were — aimlessly. it was cloudy before so there were some concern that we just

were not— there were some concern that we just were not going to get to see it because — were not going to get to see it because it is a multisensory experience, but you want to see the corona _ experience, but you want to see the corona you — experience, but you want to see the corona. you want to see that moment and the _ corona. you want to see that moment and the weather lucked out for us, thankfully. — and the weather lucked out for us, thankfully, people were praying and hoping _ thankfully, people were praying and hoping that would happen and we are getting _ hoping that would happen and we are getting to _ hoping that would happen and we are getting to see it fully. i wish i could — getting to see it fully. i wish i could put— getting to see it fully. i wish i could put my phone up and take a picture _ could put my phone up and take a picture but — could put my phone up and take a picture but i know it will not be a very— picture but i know it will not be a very good — picture but i know it will not be a very good picture. one of the pieces of advice _ very good picture. one of the pieces of advice i_ very good picture. one of the pieces of advice i was given by someone who had seen _ of advice i was given by someone who had seen the — of advice i was given by someone who had seen the total solar eclipse was 'ust had seen the total solar eclipse was just watch— had seen the total solar eclipse was just watch it, just experience it, 'ust just watch it, just experience it, just enjoy— just watch it, just experience it, just enjoy it. you do not need to take _ just enjoy it. you do not need to take pictures. there are plenty of better— take pictures. there are plenty of better pictures being taken on this moment — better pictures being taken on this moment. but it is a real memorable moment— moment. but it is a real memorable moment that you will never forget and that— moment that you will never forget and that is— moment that you will never forget and that is certainly the truth your for people — and that is certainly the truth your for people here. everyone has their phones _ for people here. everyone has their phones up — for people here. everyone has their hones u -. , ., for people here. everyone has their phones up— phones up. here you are, experiencing _ phones up. here you are, experiencing that - phones up. here you are, i experiencing that moment, phones up. here you are, - experiencing that moment, talking phones up. here you are, _ experiencing that moment, talking to me here in ohio throughout it all.

we do appreciate that, butjust talking about the magnitude of this moment, people have come from far and wide to experience it. how many people are where you are right now? there is said to be up to 3000 people — there is said to be up to 3000 people in— there is said to be up to 3000 people in the park and when you come to the _ people in the park and when you come to the front _ people in the park and when you come to the front entrance, there is a map— to the front entrance, there is a map of— to the front entrance, there is a map of the _ to the front entrance, there is a map of the world and people do put a pin from _ map of the world and people do put a pin from where they have come from. so there _ pin from where they have come from. so there are _ pin from where they have come from. so there are people all over america that have _ so there are people all over america that have come here. it is now moving, — that have come here. it is now moving, sorry. i'm putting my sunglasses on. we are leaving totality~ — sunglasses on. we are leaving totality. wow. it is slowly getting lighter _ totality. wow. it is slowly getting lighter again. wow. sorry. that was amazing _ lighter again. wow. sorry. that was amazing. that was a long time. i was 'ust amazing. that was a long time. i was just thinking — amazing. that was a long time. i was just thinking as we broadcast, that is a pretty— just thinking as we broadcast, that is a pretty long time, for a half minutes, but there is a road map at

the front— minutes, but there is a road map at the front of— minutes, but there is a road map at the front of this firm. people are clapping — the front of this firm. people are clapping now. people have put pins to show— clapping now. people have put pins to show where they are from, people coming _ to show where they are from, people coming from europe, from the far east, _ coming from europe, from the far east. from — coming from europe, from the far east, from all over to witness this very special— east, from all over to witness this very special event.— very special event. thank you so much for spending _ very special event. thank you so much for spending it _ very special event. thank you so much for spending it with - very special event. thank you so much for spending it with us. . very special event. thank you so i much for spending it with us. here in ohio it will be winding its way to us in less than 30 minutes' time in ohio. that is when we are expecting totality here. hopefully having over four minutes as well if we are lucky. we go over to our correspondent watching it all with us from the london newsroom. our science correspondent who was absolutely in his element today. this is what he goes to work for, i think it is fair to say. you have just heard there the experience of almost four minutes, comparatively

long for and eclipse? it is almost four minutes, comparatively long for and eclipse?— long for and eclipse? it is and i'm so pleased _ long for and eclipse? it is and i'm so pleased for— long for and eclipse? it is and i'm so pleased for her, _ long for and eclipse? it is and i'm so pleased for her, that the - long for and eclipse? it is and i'ml so pleased for her, that the clouds parted especially for her. that we are able to see this lovely eclipse. but what i noticed, you could certainly see so much of the sun bustling atmosphere you can see it now. just expanding so far beyond the moon. that's because this eclipse is better than most. because the sun's activity is much greater. there is a lot more going on and you can see the atmosphere so much more. you canjust tell from can see the atmosphere so much more. you can just tell from the reaction of those around her, that they felt the same as well. i bet you yourself cannot wait to experience it for yourself. l cannot wait to experience it for ourself. .. ., ., ., cannot wait to experience it for ourself. ., ., ., ., yourself. i cannot and i have to sa , it yourself. i cannot and i have to say. it is _ yourself. i cannot and i have to say, it is gradually _ yourself. i cannot and i have to say, it is gradually starting - yourself. i cannot and i have to say, it is gradually starting to l say, it is gradually starting to feel a little bit cooler, a little bit more gray here. but in terms of how lucky we are to be witnessing

this great eclipse in the fact it is contiguous here in the united states going right across the united states, mexico, canada as well, just talk to us about how rare that is. because actually, i'm not mistaken, of course a eclipse is happen fairly often but in terms of being a great contiguous solar eclipse across the united states, that is a rarity. yes the do united states, that is a rarity. yes they do happen every united states, that is a rarity. i9:3 they do happen every 18 united states, that is a rarity. i9; they do happen every 18 months or so. quite a lot happens over the sea and of course, in north america being such a large continent, means that so many more people will be able to watch it and that is something that makes eclipses special, people being able to enjoy it. but also what makes this a eclipse special is the sun's activity is at its height and also people will experience it for four minutes or more as we saw in texas.

quite often, those moments of totality can be as little as 30 seconds or so. so that is an incredible experience to experience for that length of time. but whether 30 seconds or four and a half minutes, it is still going to be something that will live with you for the rest of your life. i managed to see three and i plan to see a few more for as long as i can. absolutely. i managed to see a one in austria in 1999. that was also there in the uk as well and i can attest to the fact that it was a truly magical experience. i remember the birds of stopping chirping, thinking that their days work had been done for the day. the crickets and i can attest to the fact that it was a truly magical experience. i remember the birds stopping chirping, thinking that their days work had been done for the day. the crickets then taking up where they left off and just the sense that it was complete nightfall will stop the natural world completely confused by it all. i want to go back to something you said about the sun's

activity being at its high point and that's making it a particularly special eclipse. i understand that there are solar cycles and found 11 years or so, so we are seeing one years or so, so we are seeing one once years or so, so we are seeing one once again. tell us about how important that is. the once again. tell us about how important that is.— once again. tell us about how important that is. once again. tell us about how im ortant that is. , ., , ., important that is. the sun waxes and wanes, it important that is. the sun waxes and wanes. it has — important that is. the sun waxes and wanes, it has high _ important that is. the sun waxes and wanes, it has high periods _ important that is. the sun waxes and wanes, it has high periods of- important that is. the sun waxes and wanes, it has high periods of high - wanes, it has high periods of high activity and much lower activity. when the activity is low are you still see quite a spectacular sun but when there is a lot more going on around the sun, you can see eclipses like the one on our screen right now. just look how far, it just disappeared, butjust look at how far it stretches beyond the moon. when the eclipse approaches you, to take a look at the bands of shadows that may be coming. they will be whirling towards you. thousands of miles an hour, so that feels pretty weird and the temperature will drop and obviously the skies will darken. they have

been targeting over the past few minutes, but then all of a sudden they fall off a cliff. and you will be taken, you willjust be taken by surprise and you may even find it hard to let the words come out. because it is just so overwhelming and ifound because it is just so overwhelming and i found that i because it is just so overwhelming and ifound that i had because it is just so overwhelming and i found that i had to do life carpentry during the eclipse and i saw and i just felt like being carpentry during the eclipse and i saw and ijust felt like being quiet and watching it —— live commentary. but that would have not treated the bbc viewers an audience if ijust enjoyed it and not compensated. but it does work just enjoyed it and not compensated. but it does workjust taking a moment about the wonder of what is happening in the heavens. expert advice and analysis _ happening in the heavens. expert advice and analysis from - happening in the heavens. expert advice and analysis from our- happening in the heavens. expert i advice and analysis from our science correspondent and i can attest to what he is saying, it is starting to feel distinctively chillier here in ohio where he was mentioning the

shadows. ijust took ohio where he was mentioning the shadows. i just took a look at them as he was speaking and indeed, i am starting to see more shadows as they starting to see more shadows as they start to barreled towards us as the eclipse approaches us here in ohio. and of course we can go back over now to our correspondent who just lived at that moment in history in texas, she experienced that moment of totality and she has been soaking in the atmosphere, speaking to people there, to you. yes in the atmosphere, speaking to people there, to you.— in the atmosphere, speaking to people there, to you. yes it such historic moment _ people there, to you. yes it such historic moment and _ people there, to you. yes it such historic moment and i _ people there, to you. yes it such i historic moment and i experienced people there, to you. yes it such - historic moment and i experienced it with lots— historic moment and i experienced it with lots of— historic moment and i experienced it with lots of people including sam, ganea _ with lots of people including sam, ganea and — with lots of people including sam, ganea and their lovely gorgeous children~ — ganea and their lovely gorgeous children. how was for you? it was amazinu. children. how was for you? it was amazing- so _ children. how was for you? it was amazing. so incredible. _ children. how was for you? it was amazing. so incredible. this- amazing. so incredible. this guy over— amazing. so incredible. this guy over here — amazing. so incredible. this guy over here was _ amazing. so incredible. this guy over here was like _ amazing. so incredible. this guy over here was like hooping - amazing. so incredible. this guy over here was like hooping and i over here was like hooping and holleringi _ over here was like hooping and holleringi it— over here was like hooping and hollering, it was _ over here was like hooping and hollering, it was so _ over here was like hooping and hollering, it was so cool. - over here was like hooping and hollering, it was so cool. thatl over here was like hooping and hollering, it was so cool. that was me, hollering, it was so cool. that was me. yeah- — hollering, it was so cool. that was me. yeah- my _ hollering, it was so cool. that was me, yeah. my head _ hollering, it was so cool. that was me, yeah. my head was _ hollering, it was so cool. that was me, yeah. my head was throbbingj me, yeah. my head was throbbing because that was so incredibly exciting. it was like gods glory on display. the fine—tuning argument i don't know if you've heard of but yet to see that in life motion, how

find to the universe is. the light, the corona will stop the way it was moving. oh my gosh my head was hurting because i'm still so exciting. hurting because i'm still so excitina. hurting because i'm still so exciting-— exciting. do you see it as a spiritual — exciting. do you see it as a spiritual moment? - exciting. do you see it as a i spiritual moment? definitely. exciting. do you see it as a - spiritual moment? definitely. ijust spiritual moment? definitely. i “ust wanted to worship i spiritual moment? definitely. i “ust wanted to worship the i spiritual moment? definitely. i “ust wanted to worship the lord in h spiritual moment? definitely. ijust wanted to worship the lord in the i wanted to worship the lord in the moment, when they put the american song on, i said put some worship music on. song on, i said put some worship music on-— song on, i said put some worship music on-_ i - song on, i said put some worship i music on._ i thought music on. how about you? i thought it was very — music on. how about you? i thought it was very cool- _ music on. how about you? i thought it was very cool. it _ music on. how about you? i thought it was very cool. it was _ music on. how about you? i thought it was very cool. it was awesome. i it was very cool. it was awesome. were you — it was very cool. it was awesome. were you worried _ it was very cool. it was awesome. were you worried about _ it was very cool. it was awesome. were you worried about the i it was very cool. it was awesome. i were you worried about the weather? a little _ were you worried about the weather? a little bit— were you worried about the weather? a little bit but it was so awesome. it a little bit but it was so awesome. it was _ a little bit but it was so awesome. it was really — a little bit but it was so awesome. it was really calm. _ a little bit but it was so awesome. it was really calm. [— a little bit but it was so awesome. it was really calm.— a little bit but it was so awesome. it was really calm. i was so excited and i almost _ it was really calm. i was so excited and i almost cried. _ it was really calm. i was so excited and i almost cried. i _ it was really calm. i was so excited and i almost cried. i felt _ it was really calm. i was so excited and i almost cried. i felt a - it was really calm. i was so excited and i almost cried. i felt a bit i and i almost cried. i felt a bit tea as and i almost cried. i felt a bit teary as well. _ and i almost cried. i felt a bit teary as well. why _ and i almost cried. i felt a bit teary as well. why did - and i almost cried. i felt a bit teary as well. why did you i and i almost cried. i felt a bit i teary as well. why did you want to cry? teary as well. why did you want to c ? �* : :, , teary as well. why did you want to c ? �* : . , . , , teary as well. why did you want to cry? because it was “ust so amazing, i don't know _ cry? because it was “ust so amazing, i don't know why. it i cry? because it wasjust so amazing, i don't know why. it is _ i don't know why. it is indescribable.- i don't know why. it is indescribable. :, , :, indescribable. how did you find it? i thou~ht indescribable. how did you find it? i thought it — indescribable. how did you find it? i thought it was _ indescribable. how did you find it? i thought it was really _ indescribable. how did you find it? i thought it was really cool. - indescribable. how did you find it? i thought it was really cool. i i indescribable. how did you find it? i thought it was really cool. i also l i thought it was really cool. i also almost _ i thought it was really cool. i also almost cried _ i thought it was really cool. i also almost cried.— i thought it was really cool. i also

almost cried. what i love about this and have been _ almost cried. what i love about this and have been saying _ almost cried. what i love about this and have been saying this _ almost cried. what i love about this and have been saying this in - almost cried. what i love about this and have been saying this in our. and have been saying this in our coverage — and have been saying this in our coverage is— and have been saying this in our coverage is you have families here, thought— coverage is you have families here, thought you had to drag your children— thought you had to drag your children here, everyone wants to be here and _ children here, everyone wants to be here and really enjoy this moment. we just— here and really enjoy this moment. we just came ten minutes away but we are so lucky because last time we watched it was ten hours away and we drove to see it ten hours and now we are just right of the road so so awesome. they are home—schooled as well so this is class for them. who well so this is class for them. who was the teacher? _ well so this is class for them. who was the teacher? normally - well so this is class for them. who was the teacher? normally i i well so this is class for them. who was the teacher? normally i am i well so this is class for them. who i was the teacher? normally i am but he has been — was the teacher? normally i am but he has been teaching _ was the teacher? normally i am but he has been teaching today. - was the teacher? normally i am but he has been teaching today. that i was the teacher? normally i am but he has been teaching today. that is| he has been teaching today. that is the thin , he has been teaching today. that is the thing. the _ he has been teaching today. that is the thing, the science _ he has been teaching today. that is the thing, the science aspect - he has been teaching today. that is the thing, the science aspect and i the thing, the science aspect and making _ the thing, the science aspect and making it — the thing, the science aspect and making it enjoyable and inclusive for everyone. making it enjoyable and inclusive for everyone-— for everyone. exactly. it is a free show, for everyone. exactly. it is a free show. the _ for everyone. exactly. it is a free show, the best _ for everyone. exactly. it is a free show, the best show— for everyone. exactly. it is a free show, the best show in - for everyone. exactly. it is a free show, the best show in the i show, the best show in the world. where i left about it as well, i don't — where i left about it as well, i don't know if you felt, it is not just— don't know if you felt, it is not just what— don't know if you felt, it is not just what you visually see, does every _ just what you visually see, does every thing around you, does the way .oes every thing around you, does the way goes dark— every thing around you, does the way goes dark in— every thing around you, does the way goes dark in the temperature drops. it goes dark in the temperature drops. it also _ goes dark in the temperature drops. it alsoiust_ goes dark in the temperature drops. it alsojust makes goes dark in the temperature drops. it also just makes everyone feel the same way. it brings us all together in that moment because we are all thenjust in that moment because we are all then just looking in that moment because we are all thenjust looking at this in that moment because we are all then just looking at this thing that is completely outside of all of us

and we are also trying to understand it all altogether. it is a cool moment. i it all altogether. it is a cool moment-— it all altogether. it is a cool moment. , ,. , moment. i did meet self-described solar eclipse _ moment. i did meet self-described solar eclipse chaser _ moment. i did meet self-described solar eclipse chaser and _ moment. i did meet self-described solar eclipse chaser and i _ moment. i did meet self-described solar eclipse chaser and i think i i solar eclipse chaser and i think i understand how they feel. you want to do— understand how they feel. you want to do it _ understand how they feel. you want to do it again and again. it is understand how they feel. you want to do it again and again.— to do it again and again. it is like tornado chasing, _ to do it again and again. it is like tornado chasing, i— to do it again and again. it is like tornado chasing, i guess. - to do it again and again. it is like| tornado chasing, i guess. maybe i should pick that up. that sounds fun. :, ~' should pick that up. that sounds fun. :, ,, , fun. the next one i think he is in around 20 _ fun. the next one i think he is in around 20 years' _ fun. the next one i think he is in around 20 years' time _ fun. the next one i think he is in i around 20 years' time in america, i'm around 20 years' time in america, l'm not— around 20 years' time in america, i'm not 100% sure. i around 20 years' time in america, i'm not 100% sure.— around 20 years' time in america, i'm not 10096 sure.— i'm not 10096 sure. i think it is around 2044. _ i'm not 10096 sure. i think it is around 2044, the _ i'm not 10096 sure. i think it is around 2044, the next - i'm not 10096 sure. i think it is around 2044, the next one. i i'm not 10096 sure. i think it is. around 2044, the next one. i'm i'm not 10096 sure. i think it is i around 2044, the next one. i'm glad ou around 2044, the next one. i'm glad you enjoyed — around 2044, the next one. i'm glad you enjoyed yourself _ around 2044, the next one. i'm glad you enjoyed yourself into _ around 2044, the next one. i'm glad you enjoyed yourself into such - around 2044, the next one. i'm glad you enjoyed yourself into such an i you enjoyed yourself into such an amazing — you enjoyed yourself into such an amazing experience will stop i'm not sure how _ amazing experience will stop i'm not sure how many people are here right now _ sure how many people are here right now. but _ sure how many people are here right now, but very happy solar eclipse watchers — now, but very happy solar eclipse watchers here in texas. this farm i think— watchers here in texas. this farm i think is— watchers here in texas. this farm i think is more — watchers here in texas. this farm i think is more than 600 acres so there _ think is more than 600 acres so there is— think is more than 600 acres so there is plenty of room for everyone and i_ there is plenty of room for everyone and i mentioned before when we were herei _ and i mentioned before when we were here it _ and i mentioned before when we were here it is _ and i mentioned before when we were here, it is like this fun family music— here, it is like this fun family music festival. but the big star here _ music festival. but the big star here was— music festival. but the big star here was obviously the sun and we

all got _ here was obviously the sun and we all got what we wanted to | here was obviously the sun and we all got what we wanted to- all got what we wanted to i think ou all got what we wanted to i think you sound _ all got what we wanted to i think you sound like _ all got what we wanted to i think you sound like you _ all got what we wanted to i think you sound like you have - all got what we wanted to i think you sound like you have caught i all got what we wanted to i think i you sound like you have caught the eclipse chasing bug. i do expect to see you at the next one whenever that may be. it sounds like an utterly fantastic day. an unofficial public holiday if you would hear in parts of america that are totality right now. great to talk to you. we cannot go back over to professor of space physics at the university of leicester. i know that you will be adamantly watching all of the images of the eclipse right around the world. with your space professor hat on, what would make this a truly great memorable eclipse? i would make this a truly great memorable eclipse?- would make this a truly great memorable eclipse? i have been watchin: memorable eclipse? i have been watching all— memorable eclipse? i have been watching all of _ memorable eclipse? i have been watching all of the _ memorable eclipse? i have been watching all of the amazing i memorable eclipse? i have been i watching all of the amazing footage we have been seeing and in a few images that you showed just a few minutes ago, we saw some bright spots around the sun and these are

filaments, big loops containing lots of hot plasma that we can see with our own eyes during an eclipse, but to be able to see it with your own eyesis to be able to see it with your own eyes is fantastic and actually these prominences or filaments have a eyes is fantastic and actually these prominences orfilaments have a big impact on the earth. if they release a big cloud of magnetic field and gas and plasma that comes out towards the earth it can cause big space weather events for us so we are really interested in these features and it is just fantastic to be able to share this because as they signed as we look at these images all the time at her own computer spacecraft but for for everyone else to see this with their own eyes is just really special. this must be a huge moment as you say for your community particularly in education when you want to get people enthused about the topic.

todayis people enthused about the topic. today is the big day when it comes to education in this field i imagine. it to education in this field i imagine-— to education in this field i imauine. . , , ., imagine. it really is even though we cannot see — imagine. it really is even though we cannot see it _ imagine. it really is even though we cannot see it in _ imagine. it really is even though we cannot see it in the _ imagine. it really is even though we cannot see it in the uk, _ imagine. it really is even though we cannot see it in the uk, there i imagine. it really is even though we cannot see it in the uk, there is i cannot see it in the uk, there is a chance he may be able to see a partial eclipse some areas, but it is pretty cloudy here. even though we cannot see ourselves, millions, hundreds of millions of people around the world will see these images and maybe it will spark some interest in planetary science and space physics and how the sun interacts with the planet and our solar system, interacts with the planet and our solarsystem, but interacts with the planet and our solar system, but the impact is for here on earth. so it is not often we get to share our passion for our field with this many people so that makes it special for us.— makes it special for us. professor, ou deftl makes it special for us. professor, you deftly have — makes it special for us. professor, you deftly have me _ makes it special for us. professor, you deftly have me hooked - makes it special for us. professor, you deftly have me hooked here i makes it special for us. professor, | you deftly have me hooked here on the eclipses. great to talk to you as ever. thank you so much. we cannot go over to our over to oui’ science over to our science correspondent for one last time. ultimately, what

does this mean for you, what do these celestial events mean to you personally as a scientist? i these celestial events mean to you personally as a scientist?— personally as a scientist? i think what it means _ personally as a scientist? i think what it means is _ personally as a scientist? i think what it means is more _ personally as a scientist? i think what it means is more what i personally as a scientist? i think what it means is more what the | what it means is more what the family is said to our correspondence rather than the scientists, they talked about spirituality, togetherness and the overwhelming beauty of nature and of course, it does get people interested in science because they need the science because they need the science to make sense of it all. but the key thing isjust look science to make sense of it all. but the key thing is just look at those images, just look at that diamond ring beginning to form as the last chink of light passes across the moon. so if anyone is interested the next eclipse will be in spain 2026. perhaps we will see you there. thank

you so much for all of your reporting and analysis. you are watching bbc news. here in ohio totality is approaching, if you are not here in the united states, if you cannot watch it in person, if you cannot watch it in person, if you have not got a pair of these classes to hand or a colander or project or whatever you need, then remember you can watch it here on bbc news. and a warm welcome of course who are viewers who are also tuning into here in america on pbs as well. and also don't forget to go to our live page on bbc news. if a team of correspondents fanned out right across the country keeping you all up to date with what they are seeing and experiencing and feeling and you will be able to see some of their blog posts as well is watch their blog posts as well is watch the path of the moon going right across the sun. of course as we welcome our viewers, we can now bring in once again our science

editor. who's having one of the biggest days of the year for any kind of we are starting to get closer to totality here in ohio. people are starting to get together. i can feel the anticipation building even further, butjust in terms of what would be considered a truly great eclipse, that it surely has to go down as one of the schools them. 99% of people experiencing either partially or totally, that is huge. it is one of the most memorable eclipses of all time. partly because of the sun is so intense. you can see the atmosphere so prominently, and also because so many people will be able to see it. so, you don't get that combination of things that often. it is a really big event. follows much the impact it on people

as the science and the beauty of it all.