Eclipse Types Quiz

Eclipse Types

There are three main types of solar eclipses:

1. Total Solar Eclipse

• The Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the entire Sun's disk.
• The Sun's corona becomes visible, appearing as a bright ring around the dark Moon.
• Only visible from a narrow path on Earth, known as the path of totality.

2. Annular Solar Eclipse

• The Moon passes in front of the Sun, but appears smaller than the Sun's disk.
• The Sun's disk appears as a ring of light around the Moon, creating an annulus.
• Visible from a wider area than a total eclipse, but the Sun's corona is not visible.

3. Partial Solar Eclipse

• The Moon passes in front of the Sun, but only partially covers the Sun's disk.
• The Sun appears to be partially covered by the Moon, with the Sun's light still visible.
• Visible from a wide area, but the Sun's corona is not visible.

Additional Types:

4. Hybrid Solar Eclipse

• A rare type of eclipse that combines characteristics of total and annular eclipses.
• Appears as a total eclipse from some locations, but as an annular eclipse from others.

5. Penumbral Solar Eclipse

• The Moon's penumbra (partial shadow) falls on the Earth, causing a subtle darkening of the Sun's disk.
• Often difficult to detect, as the effect is subtle and may not be noticeable.