Uploaded April 2024 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
Shadow bands are rarely seen wispy crescents that race over the ground in the moments before and after a total solar eclipse. They only appear within the zone of totality when many atmospheric and eclipse-related variables line up just right, and to this day their exact origin is not fully understood.
NOTE FROM JUNE 24, 2026: I realized today, when reviewing the raw footage, that the shadow bands actually lasted perhaps four minutes before and after the eclipse. This is very much on the long side, as I understand it. They were most intense in the 40 seconds or so before and after totality and were faint but could still be seen with the naked eye for several minutes after. I presume they were faint but could be seen for several minutes before, too, but I wasn't watching for them at the start of the eclipse and did not notice and start filming them till they became intense. TBH, I had never even heard of shadow bands till then.
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All videos best viewed in 4K.
Peer into the cosmos on Sky Story and along the way come to appreciate our world all the more. Here, we explore the realm of nature beyond our Earth through the fields of astronomy and astrophotography.
All our programs are committed to the standards of scientifically accurate, high quality content that aims to educate and inspire. New videos are posted almost weekly, so please subscribe.
#astronomy #astrophotography #space #nebula #stars
Shadow bands are rarely seen wispy crescents that race over the ground in the moments before and after a total solar eclipse. They only appear within the zone of totality when many atmospheric and eclipse-related variables line up just right, and to this day their exact origin is not fully understood.
NOTE FROM JUNE 24, 2026: I realized today, when reviewing the raw footage, that the shadow bands actually lasted perhaps four minutes before and after the eclipse. This is very much on the long side, as I understand it. They were most intense in the 40 seconds or so before and after totality and were faint but could still be seen with the naked eye for several minutes after. I presume they were faint but could be seen for several minutes before, too, but I wasn't watching for them at the start of the eclipse and did not notice and start filming them till they became intense. TBH, I had never even heard of shadow bands till then.
*** *** ***
We are Telescope Canada's first affiliate. It's a great place for astrophotography gear. Using the following link adds nothing to your cost but helps us produce more educational videos about this amazing universe around us. https://telescopescanada.ca?bg_ref=KK15sLXmWw
All videos best viewed in 4K.
Peer into the cosmos on Sky Story and along the way come to appreciate our world all the more. Here, we explore the realm of nature beyond our Earth through the fields of astronomy and astrophotography.
All our programs are committed to the standards of scientifically accurate, high quality content that aims to educate and inspire. New videos are posted almost weekly, so please subscribe.
#astronomy #astrophotography #space #nebula #stars
