Eclipse of the Sun

Get your protective glasses ready—it’s time for a solar eclipse!

A solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up in just the right way. As a result, the Moon blocks the light of the Sun from our view on Earth.

On June 21, a six-hour annular eclipse will be visible from parts of Africa, the Middle East, India, and China.

When you think of a solar eclipse, you might picture the type in which the Sun is hidden completely. But there are actually four kinds: total, partial, annular, and hybrid.

Total

This is the most dramatic kind of eclipse, with the Moon hiding the Sun from our view completely. When a total eclipse happens, Earth darkens and temperatures may drop. Often, animals and birds get confused because they think it’s night.

Partial

A partial eclipse is when the Moon only covers the Sun, well, partially. This means that some of the Sun is still visible. Sometimes, a partial eclipse moves on to be an annular or total eclipse.

Annular

With this type, the Moon blocks most of the Sun, except its bright outer edge, or annulus. The result is called a “ring of fire.”

Hybrid

The rare hybrid eclipse can look like a total eclipse to some people, and annular to others—it depends on your location on Earth.

• Total solar eclipses can’t be seen from the north and south poles.
• Nearly identical eclipses happen every 18 years and 11 months.
• In ancient times, people used to think that solar eclipses meant the gods were angry.
• There are between two and five solar eclipses every year.

You probably know you shouldn’t stare directly at a solar eclipse. Here are a few ways you can observe one safely:

• Wear eclipse glasses (make sure they’re specifically designed for eclipses!).
• Make a pinhole camera or pinhole mirror—you can find instructions online.
• Watch the interesting way a tree’s leaves make shadows on the ground.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to watch the annular eclipse on June 21, don’t forget to check it out—carefully, of course!

Eclipse of the Sun Comprehension

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