Researchers study the impact of solar eclipses on animal behavior

A solar eclipse, which is an astonishing astronomical phenomenon for humans, can be perceived completely differently by animals. The sudden onset of darkness during the day, the decrease in light intensity, and changes in atmospheric conditions can affect their usual behavior. Such a striking observation was recorded in 2017 in America when scientists monitored the reaction of various animals housed in a zoo during the eclipse.

Scientists observed seventeen species of animals, including giraffes, Galapagos tortoises, gibbons, gorillas, flamingos, and others. Changes in behavior were noted in thirteen of these species. Some animals began exhibiting nocturnal-like behavior, while others showed signs of anxiety. Some animals displayed behaviors that even the scientists did not expect. Thus, it is being investigated whether the eclipse influences animals.

On August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse occurred in Florida (South Carolina), during which the sky became very dark for several minutes. For humans, this was an incredible sight, but for the animals, the suddenly changed environment could have served as a signal. Animals determine day and night based on surrounding light, temperature, and other natural signs. When darkness suddenly falls during the day, some animals may perceive this as the approach of evening or night, leading to a change in their usual behavior.

One of the most surprising reactions during this study was the actions of the giraffes. Giraffes are usually considered calm animals and rarely run without apparent reason. However, during the solar eclipse, some giraffes started running. Scientists linked this to possible anxiety or unease, suggesting that the sudden darkness might have caused them to feel impending danger. It is important to note that their behavior returned to normal after the eclipse ended.

If the running of the giraffes was surprising, the behavior of the Galapagos tortoises was even more shocking. During the solar eclipse, these tortoises were observed mating. Galapagos tortoises are usually slow and quiet. But during the eclipse, they exhibited such behavior. Scientists cannot yet provide a precise explanation for the link between the sudden darkness and this behavior, so it cannot be stated that the tortoises start behaving this way immediately after the eclipse begins; it was recorded as an unusual phenomenon in this specific situation.

Gibbons behaved unusually. Usually, gibbons communicate with each other early in the morning using characteristic sounds. However, during the eclipse, their behavior changed, and they emitted unusual sounds during the daytime. It seemed that the sudden darkness temporarily disrupted their daily routine. This was interesting to scientists because it indicates that sharp changes in lighting can affect the biological clocks of animals.

Gorillas also showed behavior typical of evening or night during the eclipse. As soon as it got dark, some gorillas started sleeping. This demonstrates how much animals depend on natural environmental signals, as for them, darkness lasting only a few minutes during the day became an important signal that altered their usual schedule.

The behavior of flamingos also changed during the solar eclipse. Flamingos gathered around their chicks. Scientists interpreted this as a reaction related to potential anxiety or the need for security. Perhaps the sudden darkness caused them to feel threatened, so they found it safer to stay near their offspring. Although this behavior may seem common, for scientists, it is an important sign that the changing environment affects the defensive reaction of animals.

The 2017 study examined seventeen species, and they did not all react the same way. Some animals showed no changes, while others switched to a nocturnal mode, exhibited anxiety, or displayed completely different behavior. This means that each species may experience the solar eclipse in its own way. The reaction depends on the daily routine, the species, and the animal's natural behavior.

Scientists believe that the main reason is the sudden change in lighting during the solar eclipse. The activity of many animals is linked to the day-night cycle: bird singing, foraging, preparing for sleep—all of this changes depending on the light. A solar eclipse turns the day into something resembling night for just a few minutes, causing some animals to mistake it for the onset of evening or night. Some animals

When the Moon blocks sunlight during a total solar eclipse, the day turns into night for several minutes, temperatures drop, and animals change their behavior. However, the influence of this phenomenon goes beyond that. According to NASA data, the phenomenon temporarily alters the invisible layer of the atmosphere responsible for radio wave propagation.

The question arises: can these changes lead to internet failure, GPS errors, or communication interruptions? The short answer is yes, but it happens temporarily, locally, and is very different from panic scenarios about 'technological shutdowns.'

Next Wednesday (the 12th), millions of people in privileged locations around the world will be able to witness one of the most impressive astronomical sights: a total solar eclipse. This event possesses characteristics that make it one of the most significant of the last decade.

Impact of the event on communication technologies

To understand how such an event affects communication technologies, it is necessary to consider the ionosphere—a layer of the atmosphere located at an altitude of 60 to 1000 km. This region is saturated with electrons and ions (electrically charged particles) formed under the influence of ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.

During the day, constant solar radiation maintains a high charge level in the ionosphere. When the Moon casts its shadow on Earth during a total solar eclipse, solar radiation suddenly ceases in that specific zone. Within minutes, the ionosphere cools down, and the electron density sharply decreases, creating a temporary 'artificial night' in the upper layers of the atmosphere.

GPS satellites orbit at an altitude of about 20,000 km above Earth and continuously send radio signals to ground receivers. These signals must pass through the ionosphere to reach smartphones, cars, and airplanes. When the electron density in the ionosphere changes rapidly due to the eclipse, the trajectory of radio waves is slightly distorted or slowed down—this phenomenon is called ionospheric refraction.

The most noticeable effect of the eclipse is observed in the high-frequency radio band (HF or shortwave), which is used by amateur radio operators, transoceanic aviation, and armed forces. Typically, these frequencies depend on the ionosphere for reflecting waves and their passage beyond the horizon. Since the eclipse changes the particle density, the wave behavior changes.

Global scientific initiatives, such as the HamSCI project, in partnership with NASA, use networks of volunteer radio amateurs during eclipses to map the propagation of these disturbances in the atmosphere in real time.

According to global network traffic analytical reports, such as those from the infrastructure company Cloudflare, the basic internet infrastructure—such as undersea fiber optic cables, power distribution networks, and Wi-Fi routers—is not directly affected by the eclipse shadow, as it operates via light signals in protected wires or radio signals over very short distances.

Nevertheless, human error, rather than a physical one, might occur: network overload. When thousands of people gather in the 'path of totality' to watch the event and try to stream live broadcasts or send photos simultaneously, local cellular antennas may become overloaded, causing a slowdown in mobile internet access.

In summary, although a total solar eclipse causes real physical disturbances in the upper layers of the atmosphere, they are well-studied by science, geographically limited by the shadow, and cease as soon as the sunlight returns.