Päikesepimedust

Päikesepimedust, 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 Earth and the Sun. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, casting a shadow on a small portion of the Earth. During a total eclipse, the sky becomes dark as if it were night. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon only covers a portion of the Sun. An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon is farther away from Earth in its orbit, making it appear smaller than the Sun and unable to completely block it, leaving a ring of sunlight visible.

The path of totality for a total solar eclipse is a narrow band across the Earth's surface. Areas outside this path will experience a partial eclipse. Observing a solar eclipse requires special eye protection, such as eclipse glasses or solar viewers, to prevent serious eye damage. Looking directly at the Sun, even when partially obscured, can cause permanent vision loss. The frequency of solar eclipses varies, with total solar eclipses being relatively rare for any given location on Earth. However, on a global scale, they occur approximately every 18 months. The study of solar eclipses has a long history, with ancient civilizations observing and documenting these events, often attributing them to mythological causes. Modern astronomy uses eclipses to study the Sun's corona and other phenomena.