Goddard Glossary: Annular Eclipse

Narration: Chyna Vargas

Transcript:

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Annular eclipse.

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An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon

passes between

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the Sun and Earth

while at or near

its farthest point

away from Earth.

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The relative distances

between the Sun, Moon

and Earth

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make the Moon appear

almost big enough to

block out the Sun.

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But not quite.

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This creates the

optical illusion

of a ring of fire

in the sky.

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This is in contrast

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to a total solar eclipse,

where the Moon is a little closer to Earth

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and can fully block

out the Sun, darkening

the sky for a short

amount of time.

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And get this.

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Our planet is not the

only one that has

solar eclipses.

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For example, Saturn

has hundreds of moons

and several rings.

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Eclipses happen

frequently as moons

and icy ring particles

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pass between Saturn

and the Sun.

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The Cassini spacecraft

has even captured

some on camera.

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Now, while observing

annular eclipses from

here on Earth,

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do it properly and don't look directly at the

Sun without special

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eye protection designed

for solar viewing.

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Happy viewing!