A solar eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs exceptionally on Earth during a certain time of the year. This kind of phenomenon characterized by causing a stir in the community, because it is a magnificent act to witness. Forever, it has been considered one of the most spectacular life experiences that can be experienced.
Likewise, one of the variants that is evident when this phenomenon occurs is the so-called ring of fire. Indeed, it is a feature that is literally sighted in such a way. When the eclipse occurs, the sun is surrounded by a flaming ring that captivates locals and strangers at the time of the event. But… how are these types of eclipses formed?
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What is a solar eclipse? Science has explained one of the most incredible celestial events!
When light emanating from one celestial body is eclipsed or dimmed by another, the well-known eclipses occur. Therefore, understanding what a solar eclipse is involves taking this premise into consideration.
Sunlight is captured from the Earth's surface in all its splendor when the Sun is high. However, during terrestrial and lunar transit or orbit, sunlight can be completely or partially obscured.
At the moment when the Sun, the Moon and the Earth are aligned in that same order, A so-called solar eclipse occurs. Explained in another way, it is when the Moon stands in the ecliptic path of the Sun.
Source: Google
Observed from Earth, the Sun makes an apparent curved movement or curved transition called as ecliptic plane. During this displacement, it is possible to coincide with the transit of the Moon at the moment when it lies in the New Moon phase.
For other cultures, the definition of what a solar eclipse is, It is associated with folkloric beliefs or bad omen. However, at present, it is excellently scientifically demonstrated that there is no relationship with these cultures.
Knowing more about a solar eclipse. What is its name "ring of fire"?
Depending on the position of the Moon with respect to the ecliptic movement of the Sun, one type of eclipse or another will occur. Likewise, it will also depend on how far the Moon is from the Earth's surface.
According to these factors, the eclipse can be observed in one way or another. The instant the lunar satellite gets close enough to the sun to completely block its light, a total eclipse is witnessed.
On the contrary, if the Moon is only able to cover a portion of the Sun, it generates a so-called partial solar eclipse. But, the real peculiarity occurs when the Moon stands between the Sun and the Earth without completely covering the solar circumference.
From that moment on, an annular solar eclipse appears on the scene, known colloquially as a “ring of fire” eclipse. In that sense, why exactly does an annular eclipse occur? The answer is associated with the position of the Moon with respect to the Earth.
This phenomenon occurs when the Moon lies at its furthest point from Earth. Seen from the surface, the lunar satellite appears smaller than usual due to the displacement it follows.
If this displacement coincides with the ecliptic plane of the Sun, the Moon will produce an annular solar eclipse. Since it does not completely eclipse the solar disk, a ring view is generated around the overall eclipse. In short, the Moon is positioned in the center of the Sun, but the remaining sunlight is still radiated in a ring fashion.
All the details about a solar and lunar eclipse!
Between a solar and lunar eclipse, the differences are more than plausible. However, it is worth delving into them to go into details. Knowing these astronomical phenomena in depth will help to know more about celestial mechanics.
Alignment Type
When a solar eclipse occurs, Usually it is the Moon that stands between the Earth and the Sun. In this way, the sun's rays do not enter the earth's surface, resulting in the brightness of the sun not being evident.
On the contrary, the alignment that occurs in a lunar eclipse is totally different from the previous one. This time, it is the planet Earth itself that eclipses the Moon, obscuring the sunlight destined for the lunar surface.
ring of fire vs. blood Moon
Source: Google
Between a solar and lunar eclipse, Certain exceptional qualities are also evident. An example of this are solar eclipses accompanied by a ring of fire, manifesting in those of annular type.
For their part, lunar eclipses also have unique characteristics related to eclipses. Such is the case of the blood moon or blood moon at the time of a total lunar eclipse.
In essence The Earth prevents the Sun's rays from reaching the Moon.. As a consequence, all light is refracted in the Earth's atmosphere, with the exception of orange and red colors. Therefore, these colors are the ones that are finally witnessed from the Earth's surface on the visible side of the Moon.
Ways to spot each
Lunar eclipses do not require too much equipment in terms of their way of observation. Basically, you just need to know when and how it will happen, as well as take into account the regions where it will be displayed.
Still, it is worth noting that to take exceptional photographs, you must use binoculars or telescopes. Thanks to these instruments, it will be possible to focus in an excellent way, the phenomenon in question.
On the other hand, a solar eclipse requires materials intended to protect vision. Although the sunlight is covered by the Moon, you are not exempt from side effects from staring at the event. In that sense, the use of special glasses or sunglasses, seem extremely important when witnessing a solar eclipse.