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TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE1.25 (Moon) and 499 (Sun) light-seconds The most majestic sight of all is a total solar eclipse. The Sun is about 400 times bigger than the Moon, but by complete coincidence it is also about 400 times further away. Once every couple of years, the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow over a small part of the Earth. Inside this shadow, a total solar eclipse is visible, and day turns to night. Most eclipses last only a few minutes, although the longest may last for over seven. Credit: Image made in visible light by Eckhard Slawik. |