S o l a r E c l i p s e

Samuel Wat

Introduction:

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun and blocks it completely (In the order from Sun, Moon, then Earth). This configuration can only occur during a new moon, when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction as seen from the Earth. To see a total solar eclipse, you have to be in just the right spot on the earth. Unless if your near the "sweet" spot you may see the partial solar eclipse. Total solar eclipses are very rare events for any given place on Earth because totality is only seen where the Moon's umbra touches the Earth's surface. A total solar eclipse is a spectacular natural phenomenon and many people consider travel to remote locations in order to observe one. The 1999 total eclipse in Europe, possibly the most-watched eclipse in human history, helped to increase public awareness of the phenomenon. This was illustrated by the number of people willing to make the trip to witness the 2005 annular eclipse and the 2006 total eclipse .

"Why don't you see a solar eclipse every month?" - Jeffery Badette

- The Moon goes around the Earth once every 29 days 7 hours and 43 minutes. However, it revolves at an angle to Earth's path around the Sun. So the Earth, Moon and Sun do not end up in a straight line every month.

Types:

Total - Occurs when the moon passes right smack dab infront of the sun, thus blocking most of the sun's rays. Creating a cool dooms day on a certain point on the Earth.
Hybrid - Intermediate between a total and annular eclipse. Hybrid eclipses are rather rare.
Annular - Only a small, ring-like sliver of light is seenfrom the sun's disc. Much like the crust of a large pizza, and the moon as and the sauce. Tasty science!
Partial - Only part of the sun's surface is blocked out.

For animation click here! Note you are navigating away from this page, roam with caution!

Website made for Peabody school 8th grade science class of 08'

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