Eclipses have fascinated the world for centuries, showing amazement and wonder at the space mechanics that make up our universe. The two main types of eclipses,solar and lunar, occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align in a specific way.
During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow on the Earth’s surface. This alignment of the planets can result in three types of solar eclipses, total, partial, and annular.
In a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, revealing the Sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, in the display of light and shadow. Total solar eclipses are rare events that draw crowds of sky watchers to witness this amazing sight to see.
A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon partially covers the Sun, creating a crescent-shaped sliver of sunlight. This phenomenon is visible from a broader geographic region than a total solar eclipse.
An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon is too far from the Earth to completely cover the Sun. This results in a ring of sunlight circling the dark silhouette of the Moon.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, with the Earth’s shadow falling on the Moon. There are three main types of lunar eclipses, penumbral, partial, and total.
In a penumbral lunar eclipse, the Moon passes through the Earth’s outer shadow, resulting in a subtle darkening of the moon’s surface.
During a partial lunar eclipse, only a portion of the Moon enters the Earth’s dark shadow, creating a shading effect on the Moon.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes entirely into the Earth’s shadow, giving the Moon a reddish color known as a “blood moon.”
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross over America, Mexico, and Canada.
Greenbrier County Schools will be working on a 2-hour delay schedule. Before being released, students will be educated on the eclipse and be given safety glasses for students to view the solar eclipse.
Avoid looking directly at eclipse even briefly, for it could cause damage in your eyes or even blindness.