On April 8, skygazers along the wide-sweeping arc of the Great North American Eclipse's path will step outside to catch a rare glimpse of the sun while the Earth becomes shrouded in darkness. This year, day will suddenly become night for a few brief, wondrous minutes as the orbiting moon blocks the sun's light along a southwest-to-northeast path across continental North America.
On April 8, skygazers along the wide-sweeping arc of the Great North American Eclipse's path will step outside to catch a rare glimpse of the sun while the Earth becomes shrouded in darkness. This year, day will suddenly become night for a few brief, wondrous minutes as the orbiting moon blocks the sun's light along a southwest-to-northeast path across continental North America.
The Great North American Eclipse will cross 13 US states on April 8, 2024.
Mexico's pacific coast will be the first location in continental North America to experience totality at about 11:07 a.m. PDT according to NASA.
The longest duration of totality will be near Torreon in Mexico at 4 minutes and 27 seconds, almost double that of 2017.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
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Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the moon will appear as the same size as the sun and block its entire disk during a total solar eclipse. However, this statement is incorrect because only part of the moon's shadow blocks sunlight during totality. Secondly, it mentions an annular solar eclipse in October 2017 where only a ring of fire effect was seen due to the moon not being close enough to completely block out sunlight when passing between the sun and Earth. However, this is incorrect because no such event occurred in October 2017.
The article mentions an annular solar eclipse in October 2017 where 'the moon appeared as a smaller disk in front of the sun, creating a bright halo of light.' However, no such event occurred in October 2017. The closest total solar eclipse to occur during that month was on April 8th, not October.
The article states that 'the orbiting moon blocks the sun's light along a southwest-to-northeast path across the continent.' This statement is deceptive as it implies that only part of the moon's shadow will block sunlight during totality. In reality, only about 1% of Earth experiences total darkness during a solar eclipse.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority by citing NASA as a source for information about the eclipse. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains a statement that the total solar eclipse will cause nocturnal creatures to stir and bird and insects to fall silent. This is an example of religious bias as it implies that animals have some sort of spiritual or supernatural connection with the moon's passing between Earth and Sun.
The total solar eclipse will cause nocturnal creatures to stir and bird and insects to fall silent.
The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2019 coincides with a period when the sun will be particularly active. The active sun looks very spiky and is approaching its maximum activity of its cycle this year.
During a total solar eclipse, part of the sun's outer atmosphere (the corona) can be seen. In the path of totality only, you will be able to see basically all the structure around the sun.
The most obvious feature during a total solar eclipse is streamers or bright streaks emanating from the sun. These are caused by solar wind and help ward off stray cosmic rays that may bombard Earth.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the sun will be particularly active during this year's eclipse coinciding with a period when the sun will be at its most bustling in two decades. However, it does not provide any evidence to support this claim and relies on general knowledge about solar activity cycles which may or may not apply to this specific event. Secondly, the article uses sensationalist language such as 'extra fun show' and 'explosive light show' when describing the potential effects of a coronal mass ejection during the eclipse. This is misleading because it implies that these events are guaranteed to occur and will be visible from Earth, which may not necessarily be the case. Thirdly, the article uses selective reporting by only mentioning two examples of deceptive practices (the streamers and gnarly magnetic loops) while ignoring other aspects such as coronal mass ejections or auroras that could also occur during totality.
The sun will be particularly active during this year's eclipse coinciding with a period when the sun will be at its most bustling in two decades.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the opinions and expertise of solar physicists without providing any evidence or context for their claims. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the potential excitement and danger associated with a coronal mass ejection during totality.
The active sun will look very spiky
Every 11 years, the sun’s activity waxes and wanes as its north and south magnetic poles naturally switch places. The beginning of this solar cycle has the lowest activity, known as the solar minimum.
A strong solar wind headed toward Earth can also interfere with our satellite communications
Scientists will have a better idea of whether a coronal mass ejection will occur around a week before the eclipse
Bias
(85%)
The article contains several examples of bias. The author uses sensationalist language such as 'extra dramatic' and 'more artistic or more complicated'. They also use quotes from experts to support their claims without providing any context for the expert's opinions. Additionally, the article makes assumptions about what will happen during a solar maximum that are not supported by scientific evidence.
Every 11 years, the sun’s activity waxes and wanes as its north and south magnetic poles naturally switch places. The beginning of this solar cycle has the lowest activity, known as the solar minimum.
Look for gnarly magnetic loops
One of the most exciting events on the sun is a coronal mass ejection
The most obvious feature will probably be the presence of streamers
The sun might put on an extra fun show this time around
The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 will only be visible from several states within a 115-mile-wide path.
Better yet, save $30 on bookings over $500 with code CNN30 through Feb. 15.
According to RVshare's 2024 Travel Trend Report, 53% of people plan to travel in order to witness the solar eclipse.
Given that it is more affordable than many hotels and allows travelers to settle into their space for the entirety of their trip, 52% of travelers say they are likely to rent an RV for a long weekend so they can experience a rare natural event.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 will only be visible from a specific path within the United States. However, this statement is incorrect as the eclipse will actually be visible from Canada and Mexico as well. Secondly, it claims that RVshare has compiled a Solar Eclipse Hub to help celestial seekers get the most out of their experience. This hub does not exist on RVshare's website and there is no mention of any special features or resources provided by RVshare for this event. Lastly, the article states that 53% of people plan to travel in order to witness the solar eclipse, but it fails to provide any evidence or sources for this claim.
The statement 'the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 will only be visible from several states within a 115-mile-wide path' is incorrect as the eclipse will also be visible from Canada and Mexico.
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that RVshare has compiled a Solar Eclipse Hub and citing statistics from their 2024 Travel Trend Report without providing any evidence or context for these claims. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by suggesting that the only way to view the solar eclipse is through an RV rental when in fact there are other options available such as staying in hotels or viewing from public locations. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric by stating that anyone who does not rent an RV for the solar eclipse will miss out on a rare natural event, which could be seen as manipulative and pressure tactics.
The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that RVshare has compiled a Solar Eclipse Hub without providing any evidence or context for this claim. For example: 'RVshare has compiled a Solar Eclipse Hub to help celestial seekers get the most out of their experience.'
The author makes a false dilemma by suggesting that the only way to view the solar eclipse is through an RV rental when in fact there are other options available. For example: 'If you're unfamiliar with RVshare, this marketplace has a huge selection of motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth wheels that you can rent for your next trip.'
The article contains inflammatory rhetoric by stating that anyone who does not rent an RV for the solar eclipse will miss out on a rare natural event. For example: 'Given that it's more affordable than many hotels and it allows travelers to settle into their space for the entirety of their trip, 52% of travelers say they're likely to rent an RV for a long weekend so they can experience a rare natural event.'
Bias
(80%)
The article is promoting RVshare as a platform for renting vehicles to view the upcoming solar eclipse. The author uses language that portrays RV travel as an unbridled freedom and a way to experience nature in its fullest potential. This creates a positive bias towards RVshare, which may not be entirely accurate or objective.
An RV rental also allows you to choose a remote destination for a private, crowd-free viewing experience
Given that it's more affordable than many hotels
RVshare bookings for the week of the 2024 solar eclipse are up 725% compared to Memorial Day weekend
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article by Maria Cassano has several examples of conflicts of interest. The author is an employee of RVshare and promotes their services throughout the article. Additionally, the company offers discounts for bookings over $500 with a specific code that is mentioned in the text.
The article promotes a discount code for bookings over $500 with CNN30
The author mentions RVshare's 24/7 customer support
The author mentions RVshare's two bedroom RV rental in the eclipse path of totality and its price
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a financial conflict of interest as they are promoting RVshare's services and offering discount codes for their bookings.
The total solar eclipse is a little over 2 months away from occurring in Rochester.
Solar glasses (or eclipse glasses) are a common and safe way to view the eclipse. They will allow for people to safely view the eclipse without causing permanent damage to their eyes.
If you don't possess these glasses/filters, there are other easy and safe ways to view the solar eclipse. One way is by using your hands with fingers overlapping making right angles.
Accuracy
It is not safe to look directly into the sun during any other phase without proper protection.
Deception
(70%)
The article provides information on how to protect your eyes during the solar eclipse. However, it also contains some deceptive practices.
Although it may be safe to look during the total solar eclipse, it is not safe to look directly into the sun during any other phase without proper protection.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that it is safe to look during the total solar eclipse without proper protection. However, this statement contradicts the rest of the article which states that it is not safe to look directly into the sun during any other phase without proper protection.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The total solar eclipse is a little over 2 months away from occurring here in Rochester. With that in mind, it is important to review safety tips when viewing the eclipse.
Although it may be safe to look during the total eclipse, it is not safe to look directly into the sun during any other phase without proper protection.
Bias
(75%)
The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses the phrase 'total solar eclipse' to create a sense of urgency for readers to take action in protecting their eyes during the event. This creates an emotional appeal that could be seen as manipulative.
> It is important to review safety tips when viewing the eclipse.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The total solar eclipse is a little over 2 months away from occurring here in Rochester.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Leanne Byer has a conflict of interest on the topic of solar eclipse safety as she is an employee and owner of Rochester First Media which sells ISO 12312-2:2015 certified solar glasses.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of solar eclipse safety as they are promoting products related to viewing the eclipse. The article mentions several products such as solar glasses and filters which could be seen as an attempt to drive sales for these items.
