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Solar Eclipse

Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse is when the moon comes between the sun and the Earth, so that a viewer is in the moon's shadow. This blocks (or eclipses) the view of the sun. The sun is therefore eclipsed by the moon.

There are three types of solar eclipse:

A total solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse is when the sun is totally obscured by the moon. This is the only type (and time) a solar eclipse can safely be viewed with the naked eye - looking at the sun, even during a partial eclipse typically causes permanent damage to the eyes.
A partial solar eclipse. A partial solar eclipse is when part of the sun is obscured by the moon.
An annular solar eclipse. An annular solar eclipse is where the moon lies directly between the sun and the observer (much like a total solar eclipse) but the location of the moon is such that the moon appears smaller than the son. The effect is that the outside of the sun is still visible.

cf lunar eclipse.

Relevant links:

www.mreclipse.com/Special/SEprimer.html - Solar eclipses for beginners. Include graphics to illustrate the different types of eclipse.

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