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What is solar eclipse?
What is solar eclipse? What happens during that time?
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A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, causing the Sun to be partially or completely obscured from view. During a solar eclipse, the Moon casts a shadow on the Earth, blocking the direct sunlight from reaching certain areas.
There are three main types of solar eclipses: total solar eclipse, partial solar eclipse, and annular solar eclipse.
1. Total Solar Eclipse: In a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the disk of the Sun, and only the Sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, is visible. This creates a breathtaking sight where the sky turns dark, stars become visible, and the corona appears as a ring of light around the Moon.
2. Partial Solar Eclipse: In a partial solar eclipse, the Moon partially covers the Sun, but it doesn’t completely block the entire disk. This results in a portion of the Sun being visible as a crescent or a fraction of its usual shape, depending on the extent of the eclipse from a particular location.
3. Annular Solar Eclipse: An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon is farthest from the Earth, and its apparent size is smaller than the Sun. As a result, during the maximum phase of the eclipse, the Moon doesn’t entirely cover the Sun, and a ring of sunlight remains visible around the Moon. This creates a “ring of fire” effect.
During a solar eclipse, several phenomena can be observed:
1. Partial Darkness: As the Moon blocks the Sun’s light, the sky darkens, creating an eerie atmosphere even during a partial solar eclipse.
2. Changes in Temperature: The decrease in sunlight can cause a drop in temperature in the eclipse’s path.
3. Animal Behavior: Some animals may exhibit changes in behavior, mistakenly thinking that it is nighttime. Birds may return to their nests, and nocturnal animals may become active.
4. Visibility of Planets and Stars: During a total solar eclipse, planets and stars that are usually hidden by the Sun’s glare become visible in the darkened sky.
It’s important to note that observing a solar eclipse directly without appropriate eye protection can be harmful to the eyes. Special solar filters or eclipse glasses must be used to view the eclipse safely.
