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A '''Solar Eclipse''' occurs when the [[Moon]] passes between the [[Earth]] and the [[Sun]] effectively casting the shadow of the Moon over the Earth.  

A '''Solar eclipse''' occurs when the [[Moon]] passes between the [[Earth]] and the [[Sun]] effectively casting the shadow of the Moon over the Earth.  

==Types of Solar Eclipses==

==Types of solar eclipses==

Due to the distance variations between the Moon, Sun, and the Earth, there are different kind of solar eclipses.

Due to the distance variations between the Moon, Sun, and the Earth, there are different kind of solar eclipses.

* A "Total Eclipse" is when the Moon lines up perfectly between the Sun and the Earth and the Moon appears larger than the Sun does. Therefore, the Sun is completely blotted out except for a few odd rays of sunlight that appear around the moon for the first 15 seconds of the eclipse. The Earth below is cast in to complete [[darkness]].

* A "Total Eclipse" is when the Moon lines up perfectly between the Sun and the Earth and the Moon appears larger than the Sun does. Therefore, the Sun is completely blotted out except for a few odd rays of sunlight that appear around the moon for the first 15 seconds of the eclipse. The Earth below is cast in to complete [[darkness]].

==Direct Observation of an Eclipse==

==Direct observation of an eclipse==

Direct observation of a solar eclipse is not recommended because it can lead to permanent loss of [[eyesight]]. The [[retina]] does not have pain receptors so any damage done by the sun will go unnoticed. Many tools used for indirect observation are available to those who want to gaze upon a solar eclipse.

Direct observation of a solar eclipse is not recommended because it can lead to permanent loss of [[eyesight]]. The [[retina]] does not have pain receptors so any damage done by the sun will go unnoticed. Many tools used for indirect observation are available to those who want to gaze upon a solar eclipse.

[[Category:Astronomy]]

[[Category:Astronomy]]