🌕Total eclipses happen when the moon blocks solar light by passing between the Earth and the Sun.
🌒The rarity of total eclipses is due to the size and distance difference between the Sun and the moon.
🌝The moon's tilted orbit and elliptical path contribute to the infrequency of total eclipses.
🌗Annular eclipses occur when the moon is too small to completely block out the sun.
🌑The upcoming eclipse on April 8th, crossing the Texas border, is a special event to witness.
How often do total eclipses occur?
—Total eclipses occur infrequently, with only 12 touching the US Mainland since 1900.
Why is the moon's tilted orbit a factor in the rarity of eclipses?
—The moon's tilted orbit causes its shadow to mostly miss the Earth, resulting in fewer eclipses.
What are annular eclipses?
—Annular eclipses occur when the moon appears too small to block out the sun completely, creating a ring of light around the moon.
Why is the upcoming eclipse on April 8th special?
—The upcoming eclipse on April 8th is special because it crosses the Texas border and allows cities like Waco, Cleveland, and Buffalo to witness several minutes of darkness.
When is the next total solar eclipse to hit the US Mainland?
—The next total solar eclipse to hit the US Mainland won't be until 2044.
00:04Total eclipses occur when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking solar light.
00:28The rarity of total eclipses is due to the size and distance difference between the Sun and the moon.
00:49The moon's tilted orbit and elliptical path contribute to the infrequency of total eclipses.
01:05Annular eclipses occur when the moon is too small to completely block out the sun.
01:28The upcoming eclipse on April 8th, crossing the Texas border, is a special event to witness.
