MU researchers study how plants, animals respond to total eclipse

Researchers at the University of Missouri are using Monday’s total solar eclipse to learn more about plants, animals and fish.

MU’s Bradford and South Farm research centers will being doing a variety of experiments Monday to see how the species respond when it becomes dark in the middle of the day.

Tim Reinbott, assistant director of the Agricultural Research Centers, said they have cameras set up all over the research farms to record what happens during totality. He said they hope to make the recordings into educational videos.

“That’s what excites me is that we can continue to use this eclipse for many years to come and not only here in Missouri, but across the world,” he said.

Reinbott said they plan to study the plants, animals and fish again at sundown and again the next day to see if the eclipse affected their normal routines.

“Horses usually stay in the shade during the day then come out in the evening,” he explain. “Are they going to graze during the eclipse? We’ll find out.”

Parts of southeastern Missouri will be in the path of totality for another solar eclipse in April 2024. Reinbott said he’s already planning how they can follow up on Monday’s research.

“We’re going to have a whole different set of circumstances,” he said. “It’s not going to be as hot, we’re going to have shorter days and the part of the day is going to be different. Plants may respond different then.”

The MU research centers will be open to the public starting at 11 a.m. Monday.