While people were gazing upward to witness Monday’s spectacular solar eclipse, shadows on the ground were just as fascinating. Some of them even looked like crescents.

According to World Book, in the minute or two before and after the sun is totally blocked, people may notice thin stripes of dark and light shadows moving rapidly, as if in waves.

They are called shadow bands or snake bands. Scientists are unsure what causes it, but it is the same phenomenon that causes stars to twinkle, World Book reported.

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In April, AMR paid DeKalb a penalty of more than $1.3 million for its substandard performance the previous to years. Now, the county says recent improvements in service mean the company deserves a new five-year contract. (AJC file)

Credit: JOHN SPINK/JSPINK@AJC.COM

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The DeKalb school district is suing to recover money spent on cellphone lockers, plus money spent on implementing social media guidelines and hosting associated events, lost teaching time and to hire extra school counselors. (The New York Times file)

Credit: NYT