Solar Eclipses A total eclipse is when the Sun is completely covered and hidden by the Moon. The intensely bright circle shape of the Sun is replaced by the dark silhouette of the Moon. During any one eclipse, totality is visible only from at most a narrow track on the surface of the Earth.

How Often Do They Appear? Solar Eclipses are known to happen every 18 months but never in the same place. However, the chances of actually seeing one will always depend upon the CLIMATE. For example, the next total solar eclipse is in Russia (August). Now although Russia is cold, it will be the middle of summer (not as cold) this will bring clouds and will most likely block the view of the eclipse.

How Do They Occur? These eclipses happen when the moon gets between the Earth and the Sun. The area on the Earth’s surface, which is completely surrounded in darkness is called the “Umbra”, and the slightly lighter regions around the Umbra are called “Penumbras”.

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