How Total Solar Eclipses Occur

 How Total Solar Eclipses Occur

 

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    Total solar eclipse is a very rare natural phenomenon, it happens when the New Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth and casts the darkest part of its shadow, the umbra, on the Earth surface.

There are five stages in a total solar eclipse:
1. Partial eclipse begins (1st contact): The Moon becomes visible over the Sun's disk. It looks like the Moon has taken a bite out of the Sun.

2. Total eclipse begins (2nd contact): The Moon covers the entire disk of the Sun. Observers in the Moon's umbra path may be able to see the diamond ring effect and Baily's beads just before totality.

3. Totality and maximum eclipse: The Moon completely covers the disk of the Sun. Only the Sun's corona is visible. This is the most dramatic stage of a total solar eclipse. At this time, the sky goes dark, temperatures can fall, and birds and animals often go quiet. The midpoint of time of totality is known as the maximum point of the eclipse.

4. Total eclipse ends (3rd contact): The Moon starts moving away, and the Sun reappears. Those fortunate enough to be in the Moon's umbra can see Baily's beads and the diamond ring effect just after totality ends.

5. Partial eclipse ends (4th contact): The eclipse ends as the Moon leaves the Sun's disk.

    Even though it's a very rare phenomenon, you should not directly stare at the sun with naked eyes, eclipsed or otherwise, without proper protective goggles. The Sun’s radiation can burn your eye's retinas and cause permanent damage or even blindness. To safely watch and experience a solar eclipse, wear protective eclipse glasses or project an image of the eclipsed Sun using a pinhole projector.

    Although it is safe to view a fully eclipsed Sun, totality, with the naked eye. It is also safe to observe totality through cameras, telescopes, or binoculars without any special filters. Do not look at the Sun with naked eyes unless the Moon blocks the entire Sun. Even a small amount of direct sunlight can damage your eyes. Make sure you know how long totality lasts in your location.

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