An eclipse is like a special shadow show in the sky!An eclipse occurs when one heavenly body such as a moon or planet moves into the shadow of another heavenly body.

Sometimes, the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, making it look like the Sun disappears for a little while. That's a solar eclipse!

Total solar eclipse: A total solar eclipse casts a small shadow on Earth, plunging those within it into darkness as the Sun, Moon, and Earth perfectly align.

Partial solar eclipse:This happens when the Sun, Moon and Earth are not exactly aligned. The Sun appears to have a dark shadow on a small part of its surface.

Annular solar eclipse:During an annular eclipse, the Moon is at its farthest from Earth, appearing smaller and creating a "ring of fire" effect as it partially blocks the Sun.

he total phase of the solar eclipse, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, is visible from along a narrow strip called the path of totality. Typically, this path across the globe is around 15,000 km (9000 miles) long, but only about 150 km (90 miles) wide.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, allowing the Moon's long, thin shadow to intersect the Earth's surface. The shadow comprises two concentric cones called the umbra and the penumbra. Observers on the Earth who are within the smaller, central umbra see the Sun completely blocked

When watching a solar eclipse, it's crucial to wear  solar viewing glasses to protect your eyes from harmful radiation. Additionally, never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, as this can cause permanent eye damage.

A long solar eclipse totality in 2024The upcoming April 8 eclipse will last for more than four minutes from Mexico as far north as Economy, Indiana. It will also create a wider path of totality, allowing for a greater area of viewing. Something else that makes the 2024 eclipse unusual is the timing..

The longest duration of totality is 4 minutes, 28 seconds, near Torreón, Mexico. Most places along the centerline (path of totality) will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes.