There are two types of eclipse:
1-Solar eclipse. 2-Lunar eclipse. Solar eclipse:Sometimes,the moon comes between the Sun and the Earth.When this happens,the moon blocks the light of the Sun reaching the Earth and casts its shadow on Earth.It is called a solar eclipse.As the moon is nearer to the Earth,it can cover the whole disc of the Sun.Thus,we can see only some part or no part of the Sun during the day. Lunar eclipse:The Earth moves in its orbit around the Sun.Soemtimes,the Earth comes between the Sun and the moon.When this happens,the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the moon.Thus,the Earth's shadow falls on the moon.This is an eclipse of the moon called a lunar eclipse.
A solar eclipse happens when the New Moon moves between Earth and the Sun while a lunar eclipse occurs when Earth casts a shadow on the Full Moon.
If a planet comes between Earth and the Sun, and is visible as a black dot against the Sun, it is called a planet transit.
Types of Eclipses
From Earth, we can see 2 types of eclipses – eclipses of the Sun (solar eclipses), and eclipses of the Moon (lunar eclipses). These occur when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon align in a straight or almost straight configuration. Astronomers call this a syzygy, from the ancient Greek word syzygia, meaning to be yoked together or conjoined.
The term eclipse also finds its roots in ancient Greek – it comes from the word ékleipsis, meaning to fail or to abandon.
Eclipses, solar and lunar, have fascinated scientists and lay people for centuries. In ancient times, eclipses were seen as phenomena to be feared – many cultures came up with stories and myths to explain the temporary darkening of the Sun or the Moon. In recent centuries, eclipses have been sought after by scientists and astronomers who use the events to study and examine our natural world
Solar Eclipses
Solar eclipses can only occur during a New Moon when the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun and the 3 celestial bodies form a straight line: Earth–Moon–Sun.
There are between 2 and 5 solar eclipses every year.
There are 3 kinds of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular. There is also a rare hybrid that is a combination of an annular and a total eclipse.
Total Solar Eclipses
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, as seen from Earth. Totality during such an eclipse can only be seen from a limited area, shaped like a narrow belt, usually about 160 km (100 mi) wide and 16,000 km (10,000 mi) long. Areas outside this track may be able to see a partial eclipse of the Sun.
Looking at a solar eclipse without any protective eyewear can severely harm your eyes. The only way to safely watch a solar eclipse is to wear protective eclipse glasses or to project an image of the eclipsed Sun using a DIY Pinhole Projector.