Q&A: what about the scientific meaning of solar eclipse?

by Travis S.
Question by Robin: what about the scientific meaning of solar eclipse?
Bcs I watched a full solar eclipse today in China. It's really funny. about 5min like night.


Best answer:
Answer by John GA solar eclipse is nothing to worry about. It just means that the moon is passing between the earth and the sun, so that we are in the moon's shadow.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse

This week's eclipse is already over and unless you live in Asia or a small part of Hawaii, you will not be able to see this week's eclipse anyway.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_July_22,_2009

One way the solar eclipse COULD be dangerous is if you look directly at it. Staring at the sun is always dangerous. When there is not an eclipse, people are not tempted to do this. During an eclipse, except for a very small part of the time when the eclipse is at totality, then part of the sun is showing behind the moon. This article explains more about why looking at an eclipse can harm your eyes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Eclipse

To find out when the next eclipse is for your area, and for images of this eclipse, see the NASA eclipse homepage.
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/

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