The solar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun. This completely or partially hides the image of the sun from a viewer on Earth.
Partial, Anular, Total Solar Eclipse
What is Solar Eclipse? Facts and Myths
This happens when the Sun, Moon and Earth are aligned. If the Moon were a little closer to the Earth, in a perfectly circular orbit, and in the same orbital plane, there would be total solar eclipses every new moon. Even if an eclipse is a natural phenomenon, this is rare because of the timing of the new moon within the eclipse season needs to be more exact for an alignment between the observer (on Earth) and the centers of the Sun and Moon.
Solar Eclipse Facts
Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can cause permanent eye damage and blindness. So when watching a solar eclipse, special techniques for eye protection or indirect vision are used.
Partial solar eclipse: Partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon partially blocks the sunlight from reaching Earth. The moon does not line up completely with the Sun during the eclipse.
Annular solar eclipse: When this happens, Moon and the Sun are aligned in exact line but either the Earth is closer to the Sun or the Moon is further from Earth. Because of this, the apparent size of the Moon will be smaller than the sun and it appears as a very bright ring surrounding the dark disk of the Moon.
Total solar eclipse: During a total eclipse, the Moon completely covers the sunlight.
Solar Eclipse Myths
In some ancient and modern cultures, the eclipse is thought to be caused by supernatural powers and is considered a bad omen.
