Diminishing Solar Radiation as a Driving Factor of Changes in Space Laboratory: A Study of March 29th 2006 Eclipse As Viewed and Monitored In Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract-On Wednesday, 29 th 2006 suddenly a Solar Eclipse erupted in Katsina State (12 0 15"N, 7 0 30"E) in Northern Nigeria at around 11: 16 am Nigerian GMT, which also lasted for about 40 minutes. It was, before then speculated that it was going to happen. But then, many local Climatic predictors alongside ignorant local residents presumed it was just a speculation and mere fantasy. In the Eclipse, there was an instant cut-off of solar radiant energy which also affected the many Biological clocks of many Ecosystems and even beyond. During the incidence, there were many changes in Environmental parameters. At the time of the total eclipse of the sun by moon both the air temperature and the Radiant energy attained a maximum stage. Equally, Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and Relative Humidity (RH) rose to maximum before clocking back to normal values. Scientific calculations and or measurements are needed during this period in order to find out any adverse conditions on any living specie in the affected area. With abrupt decrease in incoming sun"s radiation and temperature and an increase in humidity, if prolonged could impose changes on precipitation, freezing points, flooding, and so on. Solar Eclipse in turn provides a natural space laboratory for measurement of diffused Radiation and its effect on Ecosystems, if there be. This paper observes some scientific changes as observed during the Eclipse that affected the optimum conditions of living species.