A total solar eclipse offers scientists a chance to do some experiments that are not possible at any other time. Sun scientists use this time to study the appearance, temperature, and composition of the Corona. Other scientists travel to eclipses to measure the sun's diameter. The team of scientists post themselves across the path of totality on the expected edges of the moon's shadow. This enables them to get an accurate measurement of the size of the sun.
Life scientists use eclipses to study living creatures.
Experiments on people, mammals, birds, insects, and plankton show that behavior is affected by a solar eclipse. People are affected little. Insects and plankton are clearly convinced that it is night and get ready to nest or feed. Homing pigeons are more likely not to return or take longer to return during a solar eclipse. Each solar eclipse is different.