Päikesekatvus

Päikesekatvus, also known as solar eclipse, is an astronomical event that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and the Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun. This can only happen during the new moon phase, when the Moon is between the Sun and Earth. There are three types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular.

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon completely covers the Sun, revealing the Sun's corona, a faint outer atmosphere. This is a rare and spectacular event. During a total eclipse, the sky darkens as if it were night for a few minutes.

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon only obscures a part of the Sun. This is the most common type of solar eclipse. From Earth, it looks like a bite has been taken out of the Sun.

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is farther away from Earth in its orbit, so it appears smaller than the Sun. When the Moon passes in front of the Sun, it doesn't completely cover it, leaving a bright ring, or "annulus," of the Sun visible.

It is never safe to look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, even during a solar eclipse. Special eclipse glasses or solar viewers are required to prevent serious eye damage. Pinhole projectors can also be used to safely observe an eclipse by projecting an image of the Sun. Solar eclipses are predictable events and have been studied by astronomers for centuries, providing valuable insights into the Sun's atmosphere and its interaction with Earth.