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What Is a Solar Eclipse? | NASA Space Place – NASA Science for Kids
But this total darkness can also be kind of cool for scientists who study the Sun’s atmosphere, called the corona.
The corona is very dim. It’s usually hard to see because the Sun is so much brighter.
But, when the Moon blocks the Sun’s light during an eclipse, all you can see is the light from the corona!
Total solar eclipses over the land—where people can see them—don’t happen very often.
But when they do happen, the Moon gives scientists—and the rest of us—a glimpse at the corona’s beautiful streams and ribbons. Thanks, Moon!
Find out more about the Sun at NASA Space Place.

Related Resources for Educators

NASA Solar System Exploration: Eclipses Home
Launchpad: Solar Eclipses
Model a Solar Eclipse

 	article last updated March 29, 2024
 

More about the Sun!

Lunar Eclipses and Solar Eclipses

What is the Sun's corona?

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Lunar Eclipses and Solar Eclipses

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Sketch the Shape of the Sun for Science During the Solar Eclipse - NASA Science
Sketch the Shape of the Sun for Science During the Solar Eclipse - NASA Science

 Skip to main content Missions Search All NASA MissionsA to Z List of MissionsUpcoming Launches and LandingsSpaceships and RocketsCommunicating with MissionsArtemisJames Webb Space TelescopeHubble Space TelescopeInternational Space StationOSIRIS-RExHumans in Space Why Go to SpaceAstronautsCommercial SpaceDestinationsSpaceships and RocketsLiving in SpaceEarth &amp; Climate Explore Earth ScienceClimate ChangeEarth, Our PlanetEarth Science in ActionEarth MultimediaEarth DataEarth Science ResearchersAbout NASA NASA's ImpactsCenters and FacilitiesDirectoratesOrganizationsPeople of NASACareersInternshipsOur HistoryDoing Business with NASAGet InvolvedContactLearning Resources For Kids and StudentsFor EducatorsFor Colleges and UniversitiesFor ProfessionalsScience for EveryoneSpace Samples for LearningRequest an Exhibit or SpeakerSTEM Engagement at NASAAeronautics Science in the AirNASA AircraftFlight InnovationSupersonic FlightAir Traffic SolutionsGreen Aviation TechDrones & YouTechnology Technology Transfer & SpinoffsSpace Travel TechnologyTechnology Living in SpaceManufacturing and MaterialsRoboticsScience InstrumentsComputingThe Universe ExoplanetsThe Search
The April 8 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA - NASA Science
A total solar eclipse swept across a narrow portion of the North American continent from Mexico’s Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada. A partial solar eclipse was visible across the entire North American continent along with parts of Central America and Europe.Credits: NASA/Keegan BarberAbbey InterranteApr 12, 2024ArticleOn April 8, 2024, the Moon’s shadow swept across North America, treating millions to a breathtaking view of a total solar eclipse. As the Moon passed in front of the Sun, it revealed the Sun’s wispy white outer atmosphere — the corona.This composite image of multiple exposures shows the progression of a total solar eclipse in Dallas on April 8, 2024. NASA/Keegan BarberPictures of total solar eclipses are beautiful — they capture a moment happening so far away, yet feels so close at the same time. But being there in person, you experience it in 3D. The eclipse doesn’t just appear in the sky. You feel it all around you. The light slowly dims, then suddenly engulfs you in darkness from every angle, while the Sun’s corona emerges in the sky.Although you know totality is coming, its arrival can still be overwhelming. For some people, their hearts race or their eyes well up with tears. You try to absorb everything you can in those minutes: from the corona, to the planets peeking out around the eclipse, to the temperature drop, to cheers of excitement from the community around you, even changes in animal behaviors.Crowds react to the solar eclipse in Dallas; Carbondale, Illinois; and Indianapolis. Credits: Summer Lawrence, Laurie Elliott, and NASA/Rose BrunningFor years, people have reported how animals behave differently during eclipses. Birds may return to their nests, thinking it’s nighttime, or nocturnal animals begin to wake up. A NASA-funded project called Eclipse Soundscapes collected data from participants across the path who recorded the reactions of wildlife before, during, and after this celestial event.Amy Van Artsdalen attaches a device to capture recordings of animal behavior before, during, and after the total solar eclipse.
Launchpad: Engineering Design to Support Scientific Discovery | Launchpad | NASA eClips
Launchpad: Solar Eclipses

Description

Join NASA to learn more about solar eclipses, especially the awe-inspiring phenomenon of total eclipses. Find out about the unique geometry and the distances and sizes of the sun and moon as seen from Earth that allow us to witness the sun's corona or actually be in the path of totality.
Published on: March 15, 2011 

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Related Links

Background Information 

 Exploratorium Eclipse Links. K-5, 6-8, 9-12 

 NASA Eclipses and Transits. 9-12 

 NASA Solar Eclipse Safety. K-5, 6-8, 9-12 

 NASA Solar System Exploration: Eclipses. 6-8, 9-12 

 NASA Solar System Exploration: Future Eclipses. K-5, 6-8, 9-12 

 NASA Solar System Exploration: Overview 2024 Total Eclipse. K-5, 6-8, 9-12 

 NASA What is an Eclipse?. 9-12 

 NASA GSFC Ancient Eclipses and the Length of Day. 9-12 

 NASA GSFC NASA Eclipse Web Site. 6-8, 9-12 

 NASA Space Place Eclipse. K-5, 6-8 

 PBS Learning Media Solar Eclipses. 6-8, 9-12 

Activities 

 NASA Sun STEM Toolkit. K-5, 6-8, 9-12 

 NASA JPL Watch a Solar Eclipse with your Own Pinhole Camera. 9-12 

 National Geographic Build a Solar Eclipse Viewer. K-5, 6-8, 9-12 

Mathematics 

 NASA Space Math Problem 254: Solar Insolation Changes and the Sunspot Cycle. 9-12 

 NASA Space Math Problem 286: STEREO Watches the Sun Kick Up a Storm. 9-12 

 NASA Space Math Problem 298: Seeing Solar Storms in STEREO - II. 9-12 

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Eclipses - NASA Science
ESA/NASA/SOHOHistory of the EclipseEclipses have fascinated humans from the beginning.Throughout time, humans have had different interpretations of and reactions to these striking celestial events. In fact, historical records of eclipses from scribes in Anyang, China, helped astronomers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to determine how Earth’s rotation has changed over time. Determining exactly when the eclipse was seen and where the Moon's shadow fell on Earth helped the scientists calculate the rate of Earth's spin. The eclipses they used for this research were in 1226 B.C.E., 1198 B.C.E., 1172 B.C.E., 1163 B.C.E., and 1161 B.C.E. ​Learn MoreThis composite image shows the progression of a partial solar eclipse over Ross Lake, in Northern Cascades National Park, Washington, on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017.NASA/Bill IngallsApril 8, 20242024 Total Solar EclipseA total solar eclipse is seen in Dallas on Monday, April 8, 2024. A total solar eclipse swept across a narrow portion of the North American continent from Mexico’s Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada.
Eclipses - NASA Science
Eclipses - NASA Science

 Skip to main content Missions Search All NASA MissionsA to Z List of MissionsUpcoming Launches and LandingsSpaceships and RocketsCommunicating with MissionsArtemisJames Webb Space TelescopeHubble Space TelescopeInternational Space StationOSIRIS-RExHumans in Space Why Go to SpaceAstronautsCommercial SpaceDestinationsSpaceships and RocketsLiving in SpaceEarth &amp; Climate Explore Earth ScienceClimate ChangeEarth, Our PlanetEarth Science in ActionEarth MultimediaEarth DataEarth Science ResearchersAbout NASA NASA's ImpactsCenters and FacilitiesDirectoratesOrganizationsPeople of NASACareersInternshipsOur HistoryDoing Business with NASAGet InvolvedContactLearning Resources For Kids and StudentsFor EducatorsFor Colleges and UniversitiesFor ProfessionalsScience for EveryoneSpace Samples for LearningRequest an Exhibit or SpeakerSTEM Engagement at NASAAeronautics Science in the AirNASA AircraftFlight InnovationSupersonic FlightAir Traffic SolutionsGreen Aviation TechDrones & YouTechnology Technology Transfer & SpinoffsSpace Travel TechnologyTechnology Living in
The April 8 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA - NASA Science
Use the arrows to flip through different images from eclipse events across the path.NASA/Aubrey GemignaniGuests visit the “Explore Humans in Space” exhibit during the Kerrville eclipse festival in Kerrville, Texas, on Monday, April 8, 2024. NASA/Aubrey GemignaniGuests work on art projects during the Kerrville eclipse festival in Kerrville, Texas, on Monday, April 8, 2024.NASA/Aubrey GemignaniGuests learn about the total solar eclipse from NASA staff at the Dallas Arboretum, on Monday, April 8, 2024, in Dallas. NASA/Keegan BarberCrowds gather at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden as the solar eclipse begins on April 8, 2024.NASA/Abbey InterranteAttendees at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway view NASA exhibits ahead of the total solar eclipse, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Indianapolis.NASA/Joel KowskyAttendees at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway view NASA exhibits ahead of the total solar eclipse, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Indianapolis.NASA/Joel KowskyDuring totality, viewers could spot planets. In this view from Dallas, Venus and Jupiter were very bright. Their brief appearance in the middle of the day were reminders of Earth’s place in the solar system.In Dallas, viewers were able to spot Venus and Jupiter during totality. NASA/Abbey InterranteViewers could also see bright pink prominences flowing out from the Sun. Prominences are unstable clouds of plasma suspended above the Sun by strong magnetic forces. The prominences spotted during the eclipse were many times larger than Earth itself. It’s rare to be able to spot prominences from the ground unaided by a telescope, so seeing these prominences with just your eyes was a unique opportunity for those on the ground.Baily’s Beads and solar prominences are seen just after totality in Dallas on Monday, April 8, 2024.NASA/Keegan BarberWhile we were watching the eclipse from the ground, a NASA spacecraft was watching from above. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured this image of the Sun a few minutes before totality in Dallas at 1:37 p.m. CDT (18:37 UTC).
Lunar Eclipses and Solar Eclipses | NASA Space Place – NASA Science for Kids
The Moon’s shadow on Earth isn’t very big, so only a small portion of places on Earth will see it. You have to be on the sunny side of the planet when it happens. You also have to be in the path of the Moon’s shadow.
On average, the same spot on Earth only gets to see a solar eclipse for a few minutes about every 375 years!

Caution!
Eye Safety During a Total Solar Eclipse
Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
For safety information, visit the NASA Eclipse Safety Page.

Lunar Eclipse
During a lunar eclipse, Earth gets in the way of the Sun’s light hitting the Moon. That means that during the night, a full moon fades away as Earth’s shadow covers it up. 
The Moon can also look reddish because Earth’s atmosphere absorbs the other colors while it bends some sunlight toward the Moon. Sunlight bending through the atmosphere and absorbing other colors is also why sunsets are orange and red.
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon is shining from all the sunrises and sunsets occurring on Earth!

Note: This diagram is not to scale. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The Moon appeared a reddish color during a total lunar eclipse on Jan. 21, 2019 Credit: Public Domain

Why don’t we have a lunar eclipse every month?
You might be wondering why we don’t have a lunar eclipse every month as the Moon orbits Earth. It’s true that the Moon goes around Earth every month, but it doesn’t always get in Earth’s shadow. The Moon’s path around Earth is tilted compared to Earth’s orbit around the Sun. The Moon can be behind Earth but still get hit by light from the Sun.

In this diagram, you can see that the Moon’s orbit around Earth is at a tilt. This is why we don’t get a lunar eclipse every month. This diagram is not to scale: the Moon is much farther away from Earth than shown here.
The April 8 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA - NASA Science
NASANASA’s Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) imager on the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite captured these views of Earth between 12:02 and 4:32 p.m. EDT (16:02 and 20:32 UTC) from about 1 million miles from Earth. DSCOVR is a joint NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and U.S. Air Force satellite.NASA’s Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) imager on the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite captured these views of Earth during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. NASAMuch closer to Earth, pilots aboard NASA’s WB-57 jets flew at 50,000 feet, chasing the Moon’s shadow briefly to extend the time scientific experiments could study the eclipse. This research will help contribute to scientists’ understanding of the Sun’s corona and Earth’s atmosphere.A pilot flying a WB-57 jet during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. NASA/Mallory YatesFrom the ground, in Earth’s atmosphere, and in space, the total solar eclipse was a breathtaking experience for millions of people. The effects of the total solar eclipse on Earth and on us will be remembered by many for years to come.This composite image of multiple exposures shows the progression of a total solar eclipse in Dallas on April 8, 2024.NASA/Keegan BarberWhile the eclipse is a powerful reminder of our place in the universe, it also reminds us of our place in our communities.
Education News & Blogs – NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Explore MoreWebsites NISAR Mission NASA Earth NASA ClimateFacts & Figures NISAR Science Handbook (PDF)Multimedia Interactive: NASA Eyes on Earth Images: NASA Earth Observatory Gallery: Images of Climate Change Infographic: Sea Level Rise 
TAGS: K-12 Education, Resources, Earth Science, Climate Change, NISAR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brandon Rodriguez, Educator Professional Development Specialist, NASA-JPL Education Office

Brandon Rodriguez is the educator professional development specialist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Outside of promoting STEM education, he enjoys reading philosophy, travel and speaking to your dog like it's a person.

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Teachable Moments | 
	March 18, 2024

The Science of Solar Eclipses and How to Watch With NASA
By Lyle Tavernier

Get ready for the April 8 total solar eclipse. Learn about the science behind solar eclipses, how to watch safely, and how to engage students in NASA science.

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible across much of the central and northeastern United States, as well as parts of Mexico and Canada. Whether you are traveling to the path of the total eclipse or will be able to step outside and watch the eclipse where you live, here's everything you need to know, including what to expect, how to watch safely, and how to engage in scientific observations and discovery with NASA. Jump To What Are Solar Eclipses? How to Watch the Upcoming Solar Eclipse What Solar Eclipses Mean for Science Taking Eclipse Science Farther Solar Eclipse Lessons and Projects Explore More What Are Solar Eclipses? Solar eclipses occur when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth align. For this alignment to happen, two things need to be true. First, the Moon needs to be in the new moon phase, which is when the Moon’s orbit brings it between Earth and the Sun. Second, eclipses can only happen during eclipse seasons, which last about 34 days and occur just shy of every six months. An eclipse season is the time period when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth can line up on the same plane as Earth's orbit during a new or full moon. If a new moon happens during an eclipse season, the shadow cast by the Moon will land on Earth, resulting in a solar eclipse.
Sketch the Shape of the Sun for Science During the Solar Eclipse - NASA Science
for Life in the UniverseStarsGalaxiesBlack HolesThe Big BangDark Matter &amp; Dark EnergyThe Solar System The SunMercuryVenusEarthThe MoonMarsJupiterSaturnUranusNeptunePluto &amp; Dwarf PlanetsAsteroids, Comets &amp; MeteorsThe Kuiper BeltThe Oort CloudSkywatchingEspañol CienciaAeronáuticaCiencias TerrestresSistema SolarUniversoScience All NASA ScienceEarth SciencePlanetary ScienceAstrophysics & Space ScienceThe Sun & HeliophysicsBiological & Physical SciencesLunar ScienceCitizen ScienceAstromaterialsAeronautics ResearchHuman Space Travel ResearchExploreSearchSubmitNews & EventsMultimediaNASA+5 min readSketch the Shape of the Sun for Science During the Solar EclipseAbbey InterranteMar 19, 2024ArticleContentsHow to Become a SunSketcher and Be a Part of History Before the EclipseAfter the EclipseCalling all eclipse admirers!The SunSketcher team is looking for one million volunteers to capture photos on their cell phones during the April 8 total solar eclipse. These images will help scientists learn about the size, shape, and inner structure of the Sun.This NASA-funded citizen science project invites anyone who will be within the path of totality in the U.S. to take photos of the Baily’s Beads effect, which occurs when little points of sunlight pass through the valleys in between the mountains on the edge of the Moon. It’s the last piece of the Sun seen before totality and the first to appear after totality. For a few seconds, these glimmers of light look like beads along the Moon’s edge.The Baily's Beads effect is seen as the Moon makes its final move over the Sun during the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017, above Madras, Oregon. This effect occurs when gaps in the Moon's rugged terrain allow sunlight to pass through in some places just before the total phase of the eclipse.NASA/Aubrey GemignaniThe SunSketcher app will use smartphones to automatically take a sequence of images as Baily's Beads appear.
Student Project: How to Make a Pinhole Camera | NASA/JPL Edu
Student Project: How to Make a Pinhole Camera | NASA/JPL Edu

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Materials1. Learn about solar eclipses2. Start making your pinhole camera3. Tape on the foil4. Poke a hole5. Read this important safety note!6. Try it out7. Get creative8. What else can you use as a pinhole camera?9. How it works 

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How to Make a Pinhole Camera

You don't need fancy glasses or equipment to enjoy one of the sky's most awesome shows: a solar eclipse. With a few simple supplies, you can make a pinhole camera that lets you watch a solar eclipse safely and easily from anywhere. 

Materials 2 pieces of white card stockAluminum foil Tape Pin, paper clip, OR pencil

1. Learn about solar eclipses Watch the video above to learn about how the Moon plays an important role in solar eclipses. Then find out more about solar eclipses from NASA's Space Place.En Español ¿Qué es un eclipse solar? Eclipses lunares y solares

2. Start making your pinhole camera Cut a 1-inch to 2-inch square or rectangular hole in the middle of one of the pieces of card stock.

+ Expand image

3. Tape on the foil Tape a piece of aluminum foil over the hole.+ Expand image

4.
The April 8 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA - NASA Science
The April 8 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA - NASA Science

 Skip to main content Missions Search All NASA MissionsA to Z List of MissionsUpcoming Launches and LandingsSpaceships and RocketsCommunicating with MissionsArtemisJames Webb Space TelescopeHubble Space TelescopeInternational Space StationOSIRIS-RExHumans in Space Why Go to SpaceAstronautsCommercial SpaceDestinationsSpaceships and RocketsLiving in SpaceEarth &amp; Climate Explore Earth ScienceClimate ChangeEarth, Our PlanetEarth Science in ActionEarth MultimediaEarth DataEarth Science ResearchersAbout NASA NASA's ImpactsCenters and FacilitiesDirectoratesOrganizationsPeople of NASACareersInternshipsOur HistoryDoing Business with NASAGet InvolvedContactLearning Resources For Kids and StudentsFor EducatorsFor Colleges and UniversitiesFor ProfessionalsScience for EveryoneSpace Samples for LearningRequest an Exhibit or SpeakerSTEM Engagement at NASAAeronautics Science in the AirNASA AircraftFlight InnovationSupersonic FlightAir Traffic SolutionsGreen Aviation TechDrones & YouTechnology Technology Transfer & SpinoffsSpace Travel TechnologyTechnology Living in SpaceManufacturing and MaterialsRoboticsScience InstrumentsComputingThe Universe ExoplanetsThe Search for Life in the UniverseStarsGalaxiesBlack HolesThe Big BangDark Matter &amp; Dark EnergyThe Solar System The SunMercuryVenusEarthThe MoonMarsJupiterSaturnUranusNeptunePluto &amp; Dwarf PlanetsAsteroids, Comets &amp; MeteorsThe Kuiper BeltThe Oort CloudSkywatchingEspañol CienciaAeronáuticaCiencias TerrestresSistema SolarUniversoScience All NASA ScienceEarth SciencePlanetary ScienceAstrophysics & Space ScienceThe Sun & HeliophysicsBiological & Physical SciencesLunar ScienceCitizen ScienceAstromaterialsAeronautics ResearchHuman Space Travel ResearchExploreSearchSubmitNews & EventsMultimediaNASA+5 min readThe April 8 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASAA total solar eclipse is seen in Dallas on April 8, 2024.