Complete Solar Eclipse

by the_exploratorium
Complete Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth so that the Sun is fully or partially covered. This can only happen during a new moon, when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction as seen from the Earth. At least two and up to five solar eclipses can occur each year on Earth, with between zero and two of them being total eclipses.[1][2] Total solar eclipses are nevertheless rare at any location because during each eclipse totality exists only along a narrow corridor in the relatively tiny area of the Moon's umbra.
A total solar eclipse is a spectacular natural phenomenon and many people travel to remote locations to observe one. The solar eclipse of August 11, 1999 in Europe helped to increase public awareness of the phenomenon, as illustrated by the number of journeys made specifically to witness the total solar eclipse of October 3, 2005 and the total solar eclipse of March 29, 2006. The recent solar eclipse of January 26, 2009, was an annular eclipse (see below), while the solar eclipse of July 22, 2009 was a total solar eclipse.
The latest annular event is the Solar eclipse of January 15, 2010 and the next total event is the solar eclipse of July 11, 2010.
In ancient times, and in some cultures today, solar eclipses have been attributed to supernatural causes. Total solar eclipses can be frightening for people who are unaware of their astronomical explanation, as the Sun seems to disappear in the middle of the day and the sky darkens in a matter of minutes.
Harmful Effects of Solar Eclipse:
•It can make you blind because your eyes are fragile when the solar eclipse comes around. If you look at the solar eclipse, you have about 90% of becoming blind the next 24 hrs can even burn your irises (not fire burn) and make you blind immediately.
•Although not proven scientifically, some religions believe that pregnant women should stay indoors during Solar Eclipse to prevent the baby from developing birth defects.
The Science of Solar Eclipse
Do not attempt to observe the partial or annular phases of any eclipse with the naked eye. Failure to use appropriate filtration may result in permanent eye damage or blindness!
The safest and most inexpensive method to observe the phenomena is by indirect projection, in which a pinhole or small opening is used to cast the image of the Sun on a screen placed a half-meter or more beyond the opening.
The Sun can be viewed directly only when using filters specifically designed for this purpose. Such filters usually have a thin layer of aluminum, chromium or silver deposited on their surfaces that attenuates ultraviolet, visible, and infrared energy.
The use of color films, non-silver black and white film, medical X-ray films should never be used for viewing the eclipse due to potential hazard from infra red rays. The fact that the Sun appears dark in

Total Solar Eclipse | Solar Eclipse Information