There will only be two solar eclipses this year. The first one on June 21st (Summer solstice). The next one will take place on December 14 which will be a total solar eclipse, during which the Moon will completely block off the Sun’s rays and cast a shadow over the Earth.
What is a Solar Eclipse?
- When the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth are aligned in a straight line or an almost straight configuration, such that the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth blocking the rays of Sun from directly reaching the Earth, we witness a solar eclipse.
- Based on the alignment, there are three kinds of solar eclipses-total, partial, and annular.
- The solar eclipse on the day of Summer Solstice is an annular eclipse where the Moon is so far from Earth (apogee) that its relative size fails to cover the Sun completely and leaves the outer rims visible, thus creating a ring of fire in the sky.
- It is a rare annular eclipse that occurs once in every one or two years, and coincides with the northern hemisphere’s longest day of the year.
Source: Indian Express
