Our Solar System _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Solar eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth an the Sun .
This casts a shadow on the Earth and blocks Earth’s view of the Sun.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s shadow completely blocks the Sun as you can see in the picture.
When only a portion of the Sun is out of view, it is called a partial solar eclipse.
Solar eclipses are rare and usually only last a few minutes because the Moon casts only a small shadow.
Important reminder: Never look directly at the sun, even during a total solar eclipse, without protection such as verified eclipse glasses; serious and permanent eye damage can result.