CONNECTICUT, USA — The total solar eclipse is less than a week away.
The last time the United States experienced a total solar eclipse was six and a half years ago – Aug. 21, 2017.
The next one isn't until 2044, so this is a rare event.
There are four types of solar eclipses.
The upcoming total solar eclipse event occurs when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun by passing between it and earth. People in the middle of the moon’s shadow will experience a total eclipse – meaning the sky will darken as if it were dusk or dawn.
People will see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually blocked by the sun’s bright face.
The annular solar eclipse is what many people saw back in October.
Often called the “ring of fire” eclipse, this event happens when the moon is between the sun and earth, but the moon is at its furthest point from earth. That means it doesn’t completely cover the sun. Eclipse glasses have to be kept on the whole time for these.
Depending on where someone is, including all of Connecticut this time, people may experience a partial solar eclipse. This happens during both a solar and annular eclipse when outside the area covered by the moon, or path of totality. People will see part of the sun covered, giving it a crescent shape.
Lastly, a hybrid solar eclipse. Since the earth is curved, there are times an eclipse can switch between an annular and total solar eclipse as it moves across.
Ryan Breton is a meteorologist at FOX61 News. He can be reached at rbreton@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
Stream Live on Apple TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click download.