A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, obscuring the Sun's light and casting a shadow on the Earth.
This can only happen during a new moon when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and the three celestial bodies are aligned.
During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, and the sky becomes dark as if it were night. The only visible part of the Sun is its outermost atmosphere, called the corona, which appears as a halo of light around the dark disk of the Moon.
Partial solar eclipses occur when the Moon only partially covers the Sun, leaving a crescent-shaped portion of the Sun visible. Annular solar eclipses occur when the Moon is farther from the Earth and appears smaller than the Sun, creating a ring of light around the Moon.
It's important to never look directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse, as this can cause permanent damage to your eyes. Instead, special eclipse glasses or filters should be used to view the eclipse safely.
The Solar Eclipse of 2023 will occur on April 19, 2023. It will be a total solar eclipse, which means that the moon will completely block the sun, creating a shadow on Earth. The path of totality for this eclipse will be visible from parts of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Ocean. Some of the major cities that will experience totality include Broome, Darwin, and Cairns in Australia and Jakarta in Indonesia. Other areas outside the path of totality will still be able to witness a partial solar eclipse. It is important to take precautions when observing a solar eclipse to avoid damage to your eyes.
The last total solar eclipse visible in the USA occurred on August 21, 2017, and was visible from a path that started in Oregon and ended in South Carolina. The next total solar eclipse visible in the USA will occur on April 8, 2024, and will be visible from a path that runs from Texas to Maine. However, even if you are not within the path of totality, you may still be able to see a partial solar eclipse, depending on your location. It is important to view a solar eclipse safely, as looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can cause permanent eye damage.