Why your phone service could be disrupted during solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse is heading to Earth and with it, consequences you might not even be aware of, including to do with your mobile phone.

The cosmic event will stop millions in their tracks as it hits Earth today (8 April), with the Moon and the Sun lining up in perfect symmetry for those living in North America.

People across Mexico, the United States, and Canada will experience total darkness if they are under the 'path of totality'.

And even if they aren't in the direct line, a partial solar eclipse will be on the cards for the vast majority of people scattered across every corner of the continent.

Partial solar eclipses will also be experienced overseas in the likes of Portugal and Cuba. And yes, rejoice, the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland also make the list. Just make sure you follow safety advice when it comes to your eyes.

Pet owners should take note as well.

But those with a phone - which feels like pretty much everyone on Earth at this point - could find themselves encountering a few issues.

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The problem comes down to the capacity of networks.

Anyone who has ever been to a gig or festival before will know the issue all to well. You've got 4G but nothing is loading and WhatsApp messages aren't sending.

Basically, you should be prepared for everyone to be on their phones - especially if you're in a town or city under the path of totality.

Cities in the USA that will be placed in total darkness include Ohio, New York, Illinois, Arkansas, Maine, Vermont, and Oklahoma.

A total eclipse (Getty Stock Images)

Caty Pilachowski, a professor of astronomy at the University of Indiana, Bloomington, told CNN: "Any location that’s in the centee of the path of totality is going to see a significant increase in cellphone usage, particularly during the period and shortly after totality.

"An eclipse is very often seen as a shared activity."

A spokesperson for AT&T, the largest phone network provider in the States, said they are expecting people to 'pick up their devices to capture and share content' during the totality event.

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It comes as University of Toronto researchers have issued a morbid warning ahead of the event.

Their researchers have said that there were more than 1,000 extra road deaths across the US three days before and after the solar eclipse back in 2017.

Roughly 10.3 people were involved in a fatal car crash every hour. That was compared to to around 7.9 people per hour in other comparison windows. The eclipse was linked to a 31 percent increase in fatal car crashes.