What Is a Solar Eclipse

By: Olivia Reed, 7th Grade

What is a solar eclipse? On April 8th, a Monday, the crazy phenomenon of a solar eclipse is happening at 2:02. Mexico, Canada, and parts of the United states will be the only areas of the world that can see the entire eclipse. A solar eclipse is when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, which obscures the view of the Sun from a small part of the Earth. There are at least 2 solar eclipses per year somewhere on earth; not necessarily in Pennsylvania. There are also lunar eclipses as well which happen when the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow, causing the Moon to be darkened. This happens once every 6 months. Solar eclipses are dangerous to look at because the rays of the sun can blind you; however, there is a way around it. You can buy solar eclipse glasses which you can only use when standing still. These glasses make it safe to look directly at the sun without any damage to the eyes. In astrology, the eclipse signifies the darkness of the ego and the potential for "spiritual rebirth", indicating a moment to release past patterns and embrace new perspectives. Solar eclipses let you get a glimpse of the sun's corona which is the outermost atmosphere of the star that is normally not visible to people because of the sun's brightness. The next total solar eclipse will happen on August 23, 2044. It won't be until 2079 that America gets to see a solar eclipse though. How old will you be in 2044? How old will you be in 2079? In conclusion, a solar eclipse is when the moon or part of the moon blocks the sun from earth. Enjoy the eclipse and be safe!