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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The GBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting Saturday night, saying that an officer shot a man who pointed a gun at police. The man, identified as Volanta Lejuan Walker of Douglasville, is suspected of killing his wife, who was laying in the yard near Walker when police arrived, the GBI said. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

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Amy Bielawski, who runs Hare-Brained Productions, prepares to work at a Fall Festival in Stone Mountain on Oct. 4, 2025. Bielawski is worried she may not be able to afford health care through Georgia Access when subsidies expire. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC