The Mysteries of Solar Eclipse: Explained

💫A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on part of the Earth.

🌑A partial solar eclipse happens when the moon only blocks part of the sun's light, while a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks all of the sun's light.

🌍The moon's shadow creates a trail called the path of totality, where the moon completely blocks the sun's light for a few minutes.

🔬Scientists study the sun's atmosphere, called the corona, during a solar eclipse to observe its dim streams and ribbons, which are usually difficult to see due to the sun's brightness.

🌌Total solar eclipses over land, where they can be seen, are rare but provide a rare opportunity for scientists and observers to witness the beauty of the corona.

What is a solar eclipse?

—A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on part of the Earth and blocking the sun's light.

What are the different types of solar eclipses?

—There are two types of solar eclipses: partial solar eclipses, where the moon only blocks part of the sun's light, and total solar eclipses, where the moon blocks all of the sun's light.

What is the path of totality?

—The path of totality is the trail created by the moon's shadow as the Earth rotates, where the moon completely blocks the sun's light for a few minutes.

What do scientists study during a solar eclipse?

—Scientists study the sun's atmosphere, called the corona, during a solar eclipse to observe its dim streams and ribbons, which are usually difficult to see due to the sun's brightness.

Why are total solar eclipses rare over land?

—Total solar eclipses over land, where they can be seen, are rare occurrences, but when they do happen, they provide a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of the corona.

00:03A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on part of the Earth and blocking the sun's light.

00:23Partial solar eclipses happen when the moon only blocks part of the sun's light, while total solar eclipses occur when the moon blocks all of the sun's light.

00:44The moon's shadow creates a trail called the path of totality, where the moon completely blocks the sun's light for a few minutes.

01:19During a solar eclipse, scientists have a unique opportunity to study the sun's atmosphere, known as the corona, which is usually difficult to observe due to the sun's brightness.

01:42Total solar eclipses over land are rare occurrences but provide a rare glimpse at the corona's beautiful streams and ribbons.