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Questions and Answers
When was the last total solar eclipse in North America before August 21, 2017?
When was the last total solar eclipse in North America before August 21, 2017?
1979
Where did the path of totality of the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017 stretch from and to?
Where did the path of totality of the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017 stretch from and to?
Oregon to South Carolina
What is the significance of the path of totality during a total solar eclipse?
What is the significance of the path of totality during a total solar eclipse?
It is where the total solar eclipse can be viewed, and the sun completely disappears from view.
Which states did the narrow path of the moon's shadow cast across during the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017?
Which states did the narrow path of the moon's shadow cast across during the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017?
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When is the next total solar eclipse in North America after August 21, 2017?
When is the next total solar eclipse in North America after August 21, 2017?
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What caution is given regarding viewing the sun during an eclipse?
What caution is given regarding viewing the sun during an eclipse?
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What is the alignment of three celestial bodies in a straight line called?
What is the alignment of three celestial bodies in a straight line called?
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What type of eclipse occurs when the moon moves between Earth and the sun, blocking our view of the sun?
What type of eclipse occurs when the moon moves between Earth and the sun, blocking our view of the sun?
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When does a lunar eclipse occur?
When does a lunar eclipse occur?
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What is the shadow that runs diagonally through several states during a total solar eclipse known as?
What is the shadow that runs diagonally through several states during a total solar eclipse known as?
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Where do you have to be to see a total solar eclipse?
Where do you have to be to see a total solar eclipse?
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What will people outside the path of totality see during a total solar eclipse?
What will people outside the path of totality see during a total solar eclipse?
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Study Notes
Syzygy and Eclipses
- A syzygy (straight line-up) of Earth, the sun, and moon occurs every year or two, resulting in a total solar eclipse somewhere on Earth.
- The path of totality, where the total solar eclipse can be viewed, is a narrow region where the moon casts its shadow, typically about 70 miles wide.
Total Solar Eclipse of 2017
- A total solar eclipse was seen in a large portion of the United States on August 21, 2017, in the path of totality that stretched from coast to coast.
- This was the first opportunity for Americans to see a total solar eclipse since 1979.
- The path of totality passed through 12 states in the following order: Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Total Solar Eclipse of 2024
- The next total solar eclipse in North America will be on April 8, 2024.
- The path of totality will start from Mexico's Pacific coast, pass through several American states, and end on the Atlantic coast of Canada.
- The rest of mainland United States and Canada, and parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and Europe will see a partial solar eclipse.
Eclipses
- Eclipses occur when the sun, Earth, and moon line up in a straight or nearly straight configuration (syzygy).
- There are two types of eclipses: solar eclipses and lunar eclipses.
- A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between Earth and the sun, blocking our view of the sun.
- A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth casts a shadow upon the moon, making it seem to temporarily disappear.
Viewing Eclipses
- To see a total solar eclipse, you must be in the path of totality at the right time.
- The path of totality is a narrow region where the moon casts its shadow, and everyone else outside of it will only see a partial eclipse.
- It's essential to remember not to look directly at the sun during an eclipse to avoid serious eye damage.
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Description
Learn about the alignment of the sun, Earth, and moon that causes solar and lunar eclipses. Understand how each type of eclipse occurs and the unique phenomena associated with them.
