Explanation text - Solar Eclipse

How does solar eclipse occur?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. This can only happen  when duration new moon. The moon may partially or entirely block the sun during solar eclipse. At this time, the shadow of the moon falls on the earth. When the outer shadow or the penumbra of the moon falls on the earth a partial solar eclipse is witnessed. Partial eclipses occur when the moon is not completely in line with the sun and the earth. When the inner shadow or the umbra of the moon falls on the earth a total solar eclipse occurs. At this time, the moon completely blocks the view of the sun.

Sometimes when the sun and the moon are exactly in line the appearance size of the moon is smaller than the sun does the sun appears as a bright ring or annulus and we witness an annular eclipse.

Solar eclipse do not occurs very often, this is primarily because the moon orbit is titled at an angle of 5 degrees. As the moon revols around the earth it is quiet rare for the sun, the moon, and the earth to fall in straight line.

An eclipse is a natural phenomenon. Nevertheless, in some ancient and modern cultures, solar eclipses have been attributed to supernatural causes or regarded as bad omens. A total solar eclipse can be frightening to people who are unaware of its astronomical explanation, as the Sun seems to disappear during the day and the sky darkens in a matter of minutes. Looking directly at the sun when solar eclipse occurs can lead eye damage even blindness because of the intense visible and invisible radiation that the photosphere emits. So we must use any optical aid like telescope and eclipse glasses when looking solar eclipse.