A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, causing some part of the Sun's disk to be obscured. They happen around every 18 months, depending on where the Moon is in its orbit and the Sun's distance from Earth.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Sun is completely covered by the Moon's shadow, a rare event that can only be seen in a limited area on Earth. A partial eclipse, on the other hand, can be viewed from most of Earth.
To enjoy a total solar eclipse, you need to be outside on a clear day at an appropriate location and time. The best places to see a total solar eclipse are along the path of totality.
If you're unable to get to an appropriate spot, you can still observe the eclipse by looking at the moon's shadow on the ground or through a pinhole. If you're lucky enough to be in the path of totality, you'll be treated to a breathtaking sight, a moment known as Baily's Beads.
You might also get a view of the wispy solar corona, a mysterious fringe of white light that surrounds the sun during an eclipse. The corona, which varies in size and tint from eclipse to eclipse, has been studied since the mid-19th century.
When the corona is visible, the outer layers of the Sun's atmosphere become more easily recognizable. These white strands and bumps are called prominences, and they appear in many different shapes and colors.
During a total solar eclipse, the corona can be seen in all its glory. This is a spectacular and unique opportunity to study things that are normally hidden from view, says Ken Phillips, the Museum's Scientific Associate who has witnessed four total solar eclipses and taken measurements in three of them.
He's used the information he gained from each of these eclipses to improve his understanding of fast changes in the outer layers of the Sun. In his latest study, he looked at how the temperature of the corona fluctuates during an eclipse.
What's more, he found that the corona cools at a faster rate during an eclipse than in normal conditions. This is a key to understanding how the Sun's atmosphere interacts with the solar wind.
It's easy to photograph a solar eclipse, provided you're careful about your surroundings and the safety of the camera. The easiest way to do this is with a digital camera, such as a mirrorless or DSLR. The longer the focal length of the lens, the more large an image you'll be able to capture.
For a more realistic look, try using an astronomical telescope or binoculars to view the eclipse. These can be purchased at most astronomy shops and are safe for viewing during a total eclipse.
The Museum is proud to offer an educational video that demonstrates how to use these tools safely and correctly. It can be downloaded for free on our YouTube channel.
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