Eclipse:




Eclipse are astronomical events or effects. The word eclipse is derived from the Greek word ecleipo meaning 'cease to exist. An eclipse occurs when either the Moon or the Earth blocks out the Sun's rays thereby creating shadows on either the Moon or the Earth.


There are two kinds of eclipse, solar eclipse, and lunar eclipse. Eclipse can be total or partial. In a total eclipse, one celestial body is completely blocked from view by another celestial body. In a partial eclipse, only a part of a celestial body is blocked from view by another celestial body.


Solar Eclipse:




A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon, Earth, and Sun all line up with the Moon in the middle. The Moon temporarily blocks the light from the Sun casting a shadow on Earth. A solar eclipse can be total or partial. it occurs twice a year during the new moon phase. A solar eclipse can last a maximum of 7 minutes and 4 seconds.

Lunar eclipse:




A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon blocking the Sun's light. During this period, the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon making it temporarily invisible from Earth. A lunar eclipse takes place during the full Moon phase and generally lasts longer than a solar eclipse.


Total eclipse :




A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon covers the Sun completely. A total solar eclipse is seen only in a few regions in the world. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon is completely immersed in the umbra and is fully covered by the Earth's shadow.


Partial eclipse:




A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon does not cover the Sun completely or when the Moon partially enters the umbra of the Earth's shadow.

Annular solar eclipse:




An Annular eclipse occurs when the Moon is furthest away from the Earth. During an annular eclipse, the Moon appears small and does not cover the Sun completely. It only covers the center leaving the side as a gleaming ring.


Earliest eclipse:




The earliest record of a solar eclipse comes from ancient China. There is an interesting story about this historical event. In 2134 BC, two royal astronomers, Hsi and Ho, neglected their duties and failed to predict the event. The people believed that the eclipse was caused by an invisible dragon devouring the Sun.  They produced great noise and commotion to frighten away the dragon. Unfortunately, the emperor was unaware of the eclipse and was caught unprepared. Even though the Sun came out, the emperor became angry. he ordered that the astronomers be beheaded for neglecting their duties.


Diamond Ring :




A diamond ring is the last flash of sunlight from behind the Moon before the beginning and end of totality during a total solar eclipse.