A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, obscuring the view of the Sun from a small part of the Earth, totally or partially. The alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth during a solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the three celestial bodies line up on the same plane. The Moons diameter and distance from Earth make its relative size just big enough to cover the Suns disk, either partially or fully, depending on the distances between the three celestial bodies. There are three types of solar eclipses:

• Total solar eclipse: This occurs when the Moon blocks out the entire Sun, and it is visible only from a narrow path on Earth.

• Partial solar eclipse: This occurs when the Moon covers only part of the Sun, and it is visible from a larger area on Earth than a total solar eclipse.

• Annular solar eclipse: This occurs when the Moon is near its farthest point from Earth, and it appears smaller than the Sun, creating a ring of light around the Moon.

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon casts a shadow on part of the Earth, creating a trail called the path of totality. If you want to experience total darkness during an eclipse, you have to be in the path of totality. The solar eclipse of August 21st, 2017, was the first solar eclipse to cross the United States from coast to coast since 1918. Looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse can be dangerous and cause permanent eye damage, so experts urge caution.