Eclipses
Solar Eclipses
Solar eclipses — total, annular, partial, and hybrid — with the geometry behind each and essential eye-safety guidance. Specific dates and paths of totality are prepared for published NASA predictions; none are fabricated.
Night SkyReference data
Types of solar eclipse
- Total Solar Eclipse
- The Moon completely covers the Sun's disc along a narrow path of totality, revealing the corona. Only safe to view with the naked eye during the brief total phase.
- Annular Solar Eclipse
- The Moon is near apogee and too small to cover the Sun, leaving a bright 'ring of fire'. Never safe to view without a solar filter.
- Partial Solar Eclipse
- The Moon covers only part of the Sun. Requires certified solar filters throughout.
- Hybrid Solar Eclipse
- A rare eclipse that shifts between annular and total along its path.
← All eclipses · Lunar eclipses →
Sources & references
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.