Solar eclipse is a phenomenon that takes place after every 6 months (twice a year). During this period, the moon passes between the earth and the sun blocking the view of the sun partially or wholly by casting a shadow.
The moon does not orbit in the exact same plane as the sun and earth do except during the eclipse season when the moon, the sun and earth are aligned precisely in the same orbit. When this happens, a partial, total, annular or lunar eclipse occurs.
Partial eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth covering a part of the sun and partly blocking its view through a casted shadow giving the sun a crescent shape.
When the moon blocks the face of the sun completely a total eclipse is said to have occurred. People located in the center of the moons shadow will experience a total eclipse.
An annular eclipse occurs when the moon passes further between the sun and the earth but does not cover the sun completely. The moon appears as a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk creating a ring around the moon.
Lunar eclipse on the other hand occurs during the full moon phase when the earth is positioned between the moon and the sun.
Solar eclipse is set to take place on 8th of April 2024.