Solar Eclipse

Sun is 149.6 million km away from earth. And the moon is 384,400 km from earth. Therefore, they appear the same size from earth. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in a direct line between the Earth and the sun.

So, Why there is no eclipse every month? Because moon orbit is tilted few degrees toward north and south.

The moon’s shadow has two parts: a central region (umbra) and an outer region (penumbra).

Type of solar eclipse

Total eclipse:

Moon completely covers Sun’s surface. Only be seen if you are in umber shadow. During a total solar eclipse, you can see the sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona.

Partial eclipse:

The moon passes in front of the Sun off-center. Not fully covering the sun surface. Seen in penumbral shadow.

Annular eclipse:

This occurs when the moon passes directly in front of the sun. The moon does not fully cover the surface of the sun which create a ring of fire

Hybrid eclipse:

In other parts, the moon will be just close enough to fully cover the sun resulting in a total eclipse. The moon will be farther away from some parts of the earth along the eclipse path resulting in Annular eclipse.

How to Watch a Solar Eclipse

Never look at the sun directly – doing so can damage your eyes. The best way to observe the sun is by projecting the image. Here is one way to project the sun’s image:

1. Get two pieces of cardboard (flaps from a box, backs of paper tablets).
2. With a pin or pencil point, poke a small hole in the center of one piece (no bigger than the pin or pencil point).
3. Take both pieces in your hand.
4. Stand with your back to the sun.
5. In one hand, hold the piece with the pinhole; place the other piece (the screen) behind it.
6. The sunlight will pass through the pinhole and form an image on the screen (see How does a pinhole camera work? for details on this process).
7. Adjust the distance between the two pieces to focus and change the size of the image.

Enjoy observing!

Reference:

Photo By Lutfar Rahman Nirjhar

Photo by VS RAMAN