What Is a Solar Eclipse?

If you keep an eye on the sky, you can explore out-of-this-world science right in your own backyard! One amazing event you might want to add to your to-view list is a solar eclipse – when the sun, the moon and the Earth partially or fully align. The four types of solar eclipses all have unique features that provide different viewing experiences. Keep reading to discover more about each type!

Types of Solar Eclipses

Total

When the moon completely blocks the face of the sun as it passes between the sun and the Earth, it is a total solar eclipse. Those in the center of the moon’s shadow will have their day turn as dark as dusk! If the weather is clear, you may even get to see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere. To spot it, look for what appears to be a ring of wispy, white light surrounding the blocked sun.
 

Annular

If an eclipse happens to occur when the moon is close to its farthest point from Earth, the moon does not completely block the sun as it passes between the sun and Earth. The result is an annular solar eclipse, which appears as a bright ring of light from the sun surrounding a dark moon.

Partial

Sometimes the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, but the three objects are not perfectly aligned. The sun, only partially blocked, looks like a crescent. A partial solar eclipse is what viewers experience when they are outside of the moon’s main shadow during a total or annual solar eclipse.
 

Hybrid

A hybrid solar eclipse is the best of both worlds! It occurs when the curve of the Earth’s surface causes the eclipse to shift between annular and total as the moon’s shadow moves along its path.
 

See For Yourself

As you prepare to view any solar eclipse, make sure to follow safety measures that will protect your eyes and skin. Remember, you do not want to stare directly at the sun – even if looking through a camera lens, telescope or sunglasses! To be safe, use eclipse glasses, a handheld solar viewer or an indirect viewing method like a pinhole projector. It’s also a good idea to wear sunscreen or protective clothing to shield your skin from direct sunlight.

Now that you know how to stay safe, you’re ready to grab your gear and mark your calendars! On Oct. 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will cross North America as it travels from the coast of Oregon to the Texas Gulf Coast. If the weather is clear, this annular eclipse can be seen in parts of eight states. A partial solar eclipse will be visible in every state across the United States except for Hawaii.

If you miss the annular solar eclipse in October, don’t worry. There will be a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, crossing 13 states from Texas to Maine. After this, the next total solar eclipse will not be seen in the contiguous United States until 2044, so don’t miss out!

Make New Discoveries

Keep an eye on our blog for more ways you can explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) at home!