Hey Ray - Become an eclipse expert

Hey Ray: Becoming an eclipse expert

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - With April 8th's solar eclipse on the way, I want to make sure you sound like an expert when you are watching it. 

Let's start off with what is happening.

Obviously, the Moon is passing between the Sun and Earth. You likely knew that. You likely also know that everyone doesn't get to see the total solar eclipse. That is reserved for people in a very distinct path. 

While we aren't in the path of the total eclipse, we're very close! KDKA Weather Center

That distinct path of totality happens because of how the Moon casts a shadow toward Earth. You can see this shadow from space! 

A look at the planet from space NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Center

This shadow has two parts: The umbra and the penumbra.

A look at the shadow from the moon's persepctive KDKA Weather Center

For a total solar eclipse, the umbra is the part of the shadow you want to be in. This is the dark, inner shadow the Moon is casting toward Earth. Everyone in this shadow can see the total solar eclipse. This is where the Sun is completely blocked.

The "umbra" is the shadow that blocks the sun KDKA Weather Center

The penumbra is the lighter, outer shadow cast by the Moon toward Earth. This is where you can see a partial eclipse. This encompasses a much larger area because the penumbra gets larger as it moves away from the Sun toward Earth. The umbra gets smaller.

The "penumbra" gets larger as it moves away KDKA Weather Center

Total solar eclipses are rare, and there is a reason for that.  According to the National Weather Service, a solar eclipse only can happen during the New Moon phase. 

Also, the Moon's orbit is tilted 5 degrees from Earth's orbit as they travel around the Sun. This means that, from Earth, it appears that the Moon is often passing above or below the Sun when it is passing between them. 

Putting this all together, you need to time out a new moon phase with the Moon being in the correct orientation to pull off a solar eclipse!

As you can see, this is a new moon phase KDKA Weather Center

There is also more than one type of Eclipse!

A total solar eclipse will happen on April 8th. This is when the Moon completely blocks the Sun. 

The shadow! Getty Images

There is a partial solar eclipse. This is when the Moon only covers part of the Sun. Pretty much what it sounds like!

Only partially covered in a partial solar eclipse File Photo

There is also what is called an Annular eclipse. This is also known as "the ring of fire".  Sometimes the Moon appears smaller and doesn't completely cover the Sun. This leaves a ring around the outside of the Moon that resembles a ring of fire. 

The annular eclipse, better known as "the ring of fire."  Getty Images

Finally, there is a rare, hybrid eclipse. NASA says these occur when the eclipse shifts between an annular eclipse and total eclipse as the Moon's shadow moves across Earth. This happens because of Earth's curvature.

Looking at the eclipse live and in 3D!  Ray Petelin

Now, let's hope for a nice, clear day on April 8th, so you can show off some of your Eclipse Education!

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