Solar eclipse
![2017 total solar eclipse, eclipse, sun, moon, skywatching, stargazing, amateur astronomy](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7LkzPzDatffXCphYJYPkX-320-80.jpg)
A solar eclipse is one of the most dazzling celestial phenomena that you can experience from Earth. It occurs when Earth, the moon and sun are aligned on the same plane, with the moon passing in front of the sun to cast a shadow on the planet below.
During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, which results in a period of "totality," when the moon completely blocks the light from the sun. This causes evening-like darkness during the daytime, as the center of the moon's dark shadow falls over Earth. Viewers do not experience totality during a partial solar eclipse, when the moon only blocks a portion of the sun's disk.
Latest about Solar eclipse
![Looped video footage of a large shadow moving across North America](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GMJVbMSMXYmw4i7rXPifbD-320-80.gif)
Global 'time signals' subtly shifted as the total solar eclipse reshaped Earth's upper atmosphere, new data shows
By Harry Baker published
During the historic April 8 total solar eclipse, a government radio station in Colorado started sending out slightly shifted "time signals" to millions of people across the globe as the moon's shadow altered the upper layers of our atmosphere. However, these altered signals did not actually change the time.
![The diamond-ring effect occurred at the beginning and end of totality during a total solar eclipse.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yyWhrQugnn8FPmwC97HUYk-320-80.jpg)
When is the next solar eclipse?
By Jamie Carter last updated
The next total solar eclipse will be visible from parts of Spain, Iceland and Greenland in 2026. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch the next solar eclipse.
![The sun during totality](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eiuko9tNkJrXN6o4FAzAQ6-320-80.jpg)
7 strange things observed during the April 8 solar eclipse: From shifting time signals to puzzling plasma plumes
By Harry Baker published
During the recent total solar eclipse on April 8, scientists and other observers spotted some strange things in the sky and on the ground. Here are some of our favorites.
![Total and annular solar eclipses in the 2020s and early 2030s.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JdJgXusVm53afUNS3GD3pA-320-80.jpg)
Top total solar eclipses to look out for over the next decade
By Jamie Carter published
Want to experience totality again? Here are the next seven total solar eclipses across the world, from Alaska to Australia.
![A "ring of fire" will be seen in the Pacific Ocean and South America, similar to the one witnessed in the U.S. Southwest on Oct. 14, 2023.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KLBEbfTVANQDDbJLVcd2wc-320-80.jpg)
Annular solar eclipse 2024: Everything you need to know about the next solar eclipse
By Jamie Carter published
After the Great North American Eclipse comes a long "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse that can be seen in some iconic destinations.
![The moon begins its descent below the sun's horizon during a total solar eclipse on April 08, 2024 in Brady, Texas.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zdsEXCjV4JN3cRfcHR8ABa-320-80.jpg)
Here are the best photos of the April 8 total solar eclipse over North America
By Ben Turner last updated
Millions of viewers across Mexico and North America witnessed a historic total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Here are some of the best photos from the day, including photos of totality, the sun's corona, and the diamond ring effect.
![A photo of the eclipse with red plasma plumes around the sun's edge](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5rPZMHzoGHZaABnj93EF9M-320-80.jpg)
No, you didn't see a solar flare during the total eclipse — but you may have seen something just as special
By Harry Baker published
Several media outlets have incorrectly claimed that explosive solar flares were spotted during the April 8 total solar eclipse. But there were no flares during totality, so what did people see?
![A blue coronagraph with an orange box highlighting the position of the new comet](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xp3DfVxzXxzjDzK4ya3A2f-320-80.jpg)
Total solar eclipse reveals tiny new comet moments before it was destroyed by the sun
By Harry Baker published
On April 8, just a few hours before the total solar eclipse, an amateur astronomer discovered a small "sungrazer" comet in close proximity to our home star. The newfound object was photographed during totality before disintegrating into nothingness later the same day.
![The partial phase of the April 8 solar eclipse seen through clouds above Syracuse, New York.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VcJhwqnru38bGhjGJsjRBU-320-80.jpg)
'You could feel the energy and wonder': Despite clouds, totality wows crowds during solar eclipse in Syracuse
By Rebecca Sohn published
The total solar eclipse on April 8 plunged Syracuse, New York's Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology into darkness for 90 seconds, creating a wondrous and memorable totality.
![Students from Muchin College Prep react as the solar eclipse emerges from behind clouds in Millennium Park in Chicago on Aug. 21, 2017](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bQGsbXikjYFxmEoT3Jxeaa-320-80.jpg)
What should you do with your used solar eclipse glasses?
By Samantha Mathewson published
Now that the April 8 solar eclipse is over, what should you do with your used solar eclipse glasses? One option is to donate them to underserved communities, so needy folks can watch future eclipses safely.
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