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Why the 2024 total solar eclipse will be such a big deal

A particularly active sun will make for spectacular viewing and science opportunities

White tendrils in the solar corona frame a heavily shadowed moon during a solar eclipse

The sun’s corona is on full display in this composition of 161 photographs taken from Mitchell, Ore., during the August 21, 2017, solar eclipse.

Miloslav Druckmüller, Peter Aniol, Shadia Habbal/NASA Goddard, Joy Ng

By James R. Riordon

Solar eclipses are dramatic events as a rule. But the total eclipse coming on April 8 is going to ratchet up the experience.