A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting the Moons shadow on Earth. This alignment only happens occasionally because the Moon doesnt orbit in the exact same plane as the Sun and Earth do. There are three types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular.

• Total solar eclipse: This occurs when the Moon completely blocks the Suns light, and it can only be observed within a narrow strip of land or sea over which the Moons shadow passes. During a total solar eclipse, the Suns disk is completely covered, allowing the outermost layer of its atmosphere, the corona, to shine out around the Moon in a spectacular display.

• Partial solar eclipse: This happens when the Moon only blocks part of the Suns light.

• Annular solar eclipse: This occurs when the Moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth, and it appears smaller than the Sun, leaving the edge of the Suns disk uncovered. The result looks like a bright ring of fire in the sky.

Viewing the Suns disk through any kind of optical aid, such as binoculars, a telescope, or even an optical camera viewfinder, is extremely hazardous and can cause irreversible eye damage within a fraction of a second. Therefore, it is important to use proper eye protection, such as eclipse glasses or solar filters made to fit on the ends of telescopes, binoculars, and cameras.