A solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the Moon blocks sunlight from reaching Earth, either completely or partially.
For this to happen, the Moon has to pass directly between the Earth and the Sun. However, if the moon is too far from the Earth, then the shadow will not see the Earth completely.
A solar eclipse causes the sky to darken, making it appear like it’s nighttime. This phenomenon occurs during the day, but only lasts a few minutes.
The Moon, our planet’s natural satellite, is known to orbit the Earth. During its periodic orbit, when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, it blocks the light emanating from the Sun from reaching the Earth.
It then casts a dark shadow over the planet.
The planet is then plunged into darkness, but not completely, just a part.
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One important thing to remember is that the Moon’s axis is tilted at an angle of 5 degrees, so its shadow is usually above or below the Earth.
If the Moon’s axis were not tilted, a total lunar eclipse would occur every month.
When the Moon is close to the Earth, at right angles, it casts its shadow on the planet, resulting in a solar eclipse.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, there are mainly three types of solar eclipses:
When the Sun, Moon and Earth are in a direct line, a total solar eclipse occurs. During a total solar eclipse, the sky darkens as it does at night. A total solar eclipse is only visible in a small area where the Moon’s shadow has impacted the Earth.
When the Sun, Moon and Earth are not completely aligned, a partial solar eclipse occurs. During a partial eclipse, the Moon partially obscures the Sun.
When the Moon is at its greatest distance from Earth, an annular solar eclipse is said to occur. When the moon is farther from the earth, it begins to appear smaller due to its greater distance. In this case, it does not completely obscure the Sun.
The Moon then appears as a black disk on top of a larger disk that is the color of the Sun when facing the Sun.
As a result, the Moon appears to have a ring around it.
Solar eclipses occur approximately every 18 months.
Never look at a solar eclipse with the naked eye, it can cause irreversible damage to your retinas.
Always wear protective glasses when viewing a solar eclipse, if it is visible in your region.
Alternatively, you can use a pinhole projector to view the eclipse.
A partial solar eclipse will occur on October 25, 2022.
Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Western Asia, the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Indian Ocean will be able to see this partial eclipse.
According to NASA, a total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024.
It will be visible in North America, passing through several countries: Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Another total eclipse is scheduled for 2024. The entire United States will be able to view the total solar eclipse that will occur on August 2, 2024.
When the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, the planet obscures the Moon’s ability to reflect sunlight. The surface of the Moon is then covered by the Earth’s shadow instead of the light of the Sun. This phenomenon is called a lunar eclipse.
A lunar eclipse only occurs on a full moon.
While a solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun and prevents sunlight from reaching the planet.
With the help of this article, we hope you have been able to understand the science behind what a solar eclipse is and how it occurs.
Read also | GK Questions and Answers on Lunar and Solar Eclipses
Categories: Optical Illusion
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