Solar Eclipses
     A total solar eclipse is perhaps one of the most dramatic astronomical events we may witnessduring our lifetimes. For a few short minutes during a total solar eclipse, day seems to turn to night.The sky darkens. The air cools. The nighttime stars become visible. It is no wonder people travelaround the world to see such a spectacular sight!
     A solar eclipse only occurs when the new moon passes between Earth and the Sun and the three arein perfect alignment. Since the Moon's orbit around Earth is slightly tilted compared to Earth'sorbit, this alignment doesn't happen every month. However, when perfectly aligned, the Mooncovers the Sun and its shadow falls on Earth, blocking our view of the Sun. Interestingly, althoughthe diameter of the Sun is much larger than the diameter of the Moon, from Earth, they appear to bethe same size. The Moon is much closer to Earth and is located at the exact distance needed tocompletely block the Sun during a total eclipse.
    There are three main types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular.
Total Solar Eclipses - During a total solar eclipse, the Sun appears to be completely blocked by theMoon. The darkest part of the Moon's shadow, called the umbra, traces a narrow path across Earth.Only those located in the umbra's path will experience a total solar eclipse. The few minutes whenthe Sun's light is completely blocked is called totality. Total solar eclipses only occur once everyyear or two.Partial Solar Eclipses - During a partial solar eclipse, part of the Sun appears to be blocked by theMoon. Partial solar eclipses occur when the larger and less dark part of the Moon's shadow, calledthe penumbra, falls on Earth. Partial solar eclipses happen at least a couple times a year. Thepenumbra shadow is larger than the umbra, so partial solar eclipses can be seen from morelocations than total solar eclipses.
Annular Solar Eclipses - During annular solar eclipses the Moon is farther from Earth than duringa total solar eclipse. It is too small to completely cover the Sun. A ring of sunlight shines around theMoon during an annular solar eclipse.
      Caution! Never look directly at the Sun! Looking directly at the Sun can cause permanent damageto your eyes. Normal sunglasses will not protect your eyes! Consider using a simple pinhole camerato enjoy a solar eclipse safely.
31.If the Moon and Sun line up when the Moon is at is farthest point in its orbit, leaving a thin ring ofsunlight around the Moon, it is called a(n)_________solar eclipse.
(A) Total
(B) Partial
(C) Annular