päikesepäikesevarjutuse

Päikesepäikesevarjutus is the Estonian term for a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and the Moon fully or partially blocks ("occults") the Sun. This can only happen during the new moon phase, when the Sun and a new moon are in conjunction as seen from Earth.

There are three main types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon completely covers the Sun, revealing the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona. This is a rare and spectacular event. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon only obscures a portion of the Sun. An annular solar eclipse takes place when the Moon is farther away from Earth in its orbit, making it appear smaller than the Sun. In this case, the Moon does not completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring, or "annulus," visible around the dark disk of the Moon.

The path of a total or annular solar eclipse across the Earth's surface is called the path of totality or annularity, respectively. Observers outside this path will witness a partial eclipse. Solar eclipses are predictable astronomical events, and their occurrences have been documented for centuries. It is crucial to never look directly at the Sun during any phase of a solar eclipse without proper eye protection, as it can cause permanent eye damage. Specialized solar eclipse glasses or viewers are necessary for safe observation.