A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking all or a portion of the Sun's light from reaching the Earth's surface. There are three types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely blocks the Sun, revealing the Sun's outer atmosphere or corona. This type of eclipse is only visible from a narrow path on the Earth's surface, and the path of totality varies with each eclipse.
A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon partially blocks the Sun, creating a crescent shape. This type of eclipse is visible from a larger area of the Earth's surface than a total eclipse, but it is still restricted to a specific region.
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is farther from the Earth and does not completely cover the Sun, creating a "ring of fire" around the Moon. This type of eclipse is also visible from a narrow path on the Earth's surface.
It is important to note that looking directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage or blindness. Special eclipse glasses or filters must be used to safely view the eclipse.
Solar eclipses occur roughly twice a year, but their visibility and location vary widely. The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will occur on April 8, 2024.
