Path of totality to diamond ring effect & solar eclipse photography, solar eclipse terms everyone should know

Total solar eclipse captured over France in 1999. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the sun, casting a shadow on earth and plunging the area within the path of totality into darkness. (Image credit: Luc Viatour via Wikimedia Commons 3.0)

A solar eclipse is a breathtaking celestial event that captures the imagination of people around the world. Understanding the terminology associated with this phenomenon could enhance your appreciation of its beauty and scientific significance. The total solar eclipse on April 8 will be visible over the US and Mexico. Here’s a comprehensive glossary to shed light on the vocabulary of solar eclipses:

1. Solar Eclipse: This occurs when the moon passes between the sun and earth, partially or completely blocking the sun’s light.

2. Total Solar Eclipse: When the moon completely covers the sun, casting a shadow on earth and plunging the area within the path of totality into darkness. One is set to occur on April 8. It is interesting to note how animals and birds respond to the sudden changes in day-time light and temperature; and how these may affect human health.

3. Partial Solar Eclipse: A phenomenon where only a portion of the sun is obscured by the moon, resulting in a crescent-shaped sun.

4. Annular Solar Eclipse: This occurs when the moon is too far from earth to fully cover the sun, leaving a ring of sunlight visible around the moon's silhouette.

5. Umbra and Penumbra: The umbra is the central, darkest part of the moon’s shadow during an eclipse, while the penumbra is the outer region.

6. Path of Totality: The narrow path on earth’s surface where a total solar eclipse is visible.

7. Diamond Ring Effect: A brief moment during a total solar eclipse when a single point of sunlight is visible, resembling a sparkling diamond ring.

8. Totality: The period during a total solar eclipse when the sun is completely covered by the moon, revealing the sun’s corona.

9. Corona: The outer atmosphere of the sun, visible during a total solar eclipse as a faint, pearly-white halo surrounding the darkened disk of the moon.

Total eclipse of the sun seen from Nashville, Tennessee, on August 21, 2017. (Image credit: Martha Lu42 via Wikimedia Commons 4.0)

10. Eclipse Glasses: Specialised eyewear designed to protect the eyes while observing a solar eclipse, allowing safe viewing of the sun.

11. Solar Filter: A filter placed over telescopes or cameras to safely view and photograph the Sun during an eclipse.

12. Solar Eclipse Photography: The practice of capturing images of solar eclipses using specialised equipment and techniques.