Solar Eclipse and Temperature
Eclipse observers have noted that air temperatures drop during totality. Temperature is a result of heating caused by solar radiation. The surface of the Earth absorbs solar radiation, and the ground warms the air that comes in contact with it through the process of conduction.
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Air is a poor conductor, and this transfer only happens within a few centimeters off the ground so when the amount of solar radiation decreases, the air loses heat rapidly and cools.
The amount of the temperature change varies based on location, duration and time of year of the eclipse. The temperature drops typically occur after totality and average about 10°F.
- Dec 9, 1834: An article in the Gettysburg Republican Banner reported that during an eclipse temperatures dropped 28°F, from 78°F to 50°F.
- March 2015: Observers noted a temperature drop of 15°F (from 8°F to -7°F) on the Norwegian Island of Svalbard during the height of the eclipse.