1 During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun’s light. Even though it’s daytime, the sky slowly darkens until the moment of totality, when the Moon covers the Sun completely.
2 When totality happens, the temperature drops, birds and insects fall silent, and, in clear skies, stars and some planets are visible! Then, after less than five minutes, the Sun begins to peek past the Moon, and things brighten up again. Whoa!
3 Total solar eclipses actually happen every 18 months or so – but each one can only be seen from certain areas. The UK’s next total solar eclipse won’t be until 2090, but a partial solar eclipse, where part of the Sun is covered, is due on 29 March…
