What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, blocking the sunlight and casting a shadow on the earth's surface. There are three types of solar eclipses – total, partial, and annular – depending on the alignment of the sun, moon, and earth. During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, revealing the sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona, which is usually hidden by the bright light of the sun's surface. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon only partially covers the sun, while an annular eclipse happens when the moon is too far from the earth to completely cover the sun, creating a ring of light around the moon.

Solar eclipses are rare and occur only a few times a year. They can only be observed from a small area on the earth's surface where the moon's shadow falls. Viewing a solar eclipse can be dangerous without adequate eye protection or special equipment. However, it is a remarkable and awe-inspiring astronomical event that has fascinated people for centuries.