On April 9th, the only total solar eclipse of the year took place in the North American region during the early hours, lasting over 4 minutes, making it the longest since 2010.
Sweeping across North America, the eclipse was observed in numerous cities in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, captivating local residents with this rare astronomical spectacle.
However, while the total eclipse cast the North American continent into darkness, animals were thrown into a frenzy.
Reports from a zoo in Fort Worth, Texas, described giraffes galloping and jostling for position during the eclipse, attempting to enter nighttime enclosures ahead of schedule.
Other animals, such as gorillas and turtles, exhibited similar behaviors. Gorillas, usually found frolicking in various corners, collectively stood up and headed towards their sleeping areas as if dusk had arrived.
Moreover, many animals became disoriented, mistaking day for night. Frogs and crickets chirped during the eclipse, while diurnal creatures paused their activities.
Scientists noted that this rare astronomical phenomenon disrupted the daily rhythms of many animals that rely on sunlight, even affecting the biological clocks of pets, with unpredictable consequences.
Additionally, temperatures dropped during the eclipse. In this North American event, temperatures in several areas decreased by 4.4-8.3°C, causing some disruption to wildlife.
During a total solar eclipse, the moon moves between the sun and the earth, aligning the three bodies in a straight line, resulting in the phenomenon.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the sunlight is completely blocked by the moon from certain locations on earth, making it one of the most spectacular celestial events.
