Solar eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon hides some or all of the Sun’s disc from a region of Earth. It requires new Moon and suitable alignment.
How it is defined
It can be partial, total or annular depending on geometry and location. The date of new Moon alone cannot tell you where it will be visible.
How to read it
To check the phenomenon, distinguish the calculated position, its reference time and what an observer can see from their location. These related details answer different questions.
A concrete example
Distinguish the eclipse’s instant from its visibility path. Solar observation requires appropriate specialised protection; ordinary sunglasses are unsuitable.
Explore further
Explore the sources and related concepts. When consulting tables or calendars, look for the date, coordinates and reference frame they use.