Solar Eclipses

Out of the two choices I had for the science project, I have decided to do solar eclipses. Solar Eclipses occur when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. From Earth’s point of view, depending where we are, we may see a partial total eclipse or a full eclipse. This can only occur during a new moon. When the sun, moon, and earth are all aligned in the same spot, this causes a solar eclipse. Solar Eclipses are shown rarely. It does not occur as frequent as the lunar eclipse.

There are four types of solar eclipses: these are the total eclipse, the hybrid eclipse, the partial eclipse, and the annular eclipse. In a total eclipse, the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon. The hybrid eclipse, however, is intermediate between a total and annular eclipse. The partial eclipse occurs when the Sun and the Moon are not exactly in line, and the Moon only partially obscures the Sun. Finally, the annular eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon are exactly in line, but the apparent size of the Moon is smaller than that of the Sun.

Solar Eclipses are not only a beautiful sight, but are also a part of nature. The next solar eclipse will take place on March 17^th, 2007. A total solar eclipse is predicted to happen on August 1^st, 2008. I hope to be able to witness this amazing and magnificent view of an eclipse.