Here's when the last solar eclipse was and why it was a big deal

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With a total solar eclipse coming on April 8, 2025, people around the world are talking about eclipses. The anticipation surrounding this particular celestial event stems from its rarity and spectacle, as well as the opportunities for scientific study and public engagement.

The impending eclipse also has people wondering: When was the last solar eclipse?

The last total solar eclipse visible from the United States occurred in 2017. Since then, subsequent eclipses, whether partial or annular, have continued to generate excitement but anticipation builds for the next total solar eclipse.

Here's when was the last solar eclipse plus what will happen during the upcoming total solar eclipse.

When was the last solar eclipse?

The last total solar eclipse visible in the United States was on Aug. 21, 2017. Totality lasted 2 minutes and 42 seconds.

The total solar eclipse of 2010 was the last time it was possible to experience a totality of over four minutes, according to Space.com.

Since then, subsequent eclipses have included an annular eclipse on Dec. 26, 2019; a partial eclipse on June 10, 2021; and a rare ring of fire eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023.

What is a solar eclipse?

According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light from reaching parts of the Earth. This occurs during the day when the sun, moon and Earth align in a straight line. Depending on where you are, you might see the sun partially covered or completely hidden by the moon.

What will happen during solar eclipse?

During a partial solar eclipse, observers will see the moon partially covering the sun. This creates a crescent shape of sunlight as the moon moves across the sun's disk.

During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, leading to a temporary darkness during the day. Birds may stop chirping, stars become visible and the temperature may drop during totality.

During an annular solar eclipse, the moon is farther from Earth in its orbit. It appears smaller and does not completely cover the sun. This results in a ring of sunlight, known as the "ring of fire" around the darkened silhouette of the moon.

How often does a solar eclipse happen?

On average, there are two to five solar eclipses of various types each year, visible in various parts of the world, according to Astronomy.com.

The frequency of solar eclipses can vary from year to year due to factors such as the tilt of the moon's orbit relative to the Earth's orbit around the sun and the elliptical shape of the moon's orbit.

Total solar eclipses are more rare and may occur only once every few years.

Is a solar eclipse a good thing?

Solar eclipses are significant events for science, particularly total solar eclipses.

During a total solar eclipse, the corona — the sun's outer atmosphere — is visible during the brief period of totality. Studying it provides scientists with valuable insights into the sun's structure, dynamics and behavior.

This information helps researchers better understand phenomena such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections and the solar wind, which can have significant impacts on space weather and technology on Earth.

Why is it so rare to see a total eclipse?

Here's why it's rare to see a total solar eclipse, according to the National Weather Service:

• Alignment of orbits: The orbits of the Earth around the sun and the moon around the Earth are not perfectly aligned. The Moon's orbit is inclined at about five degrees relative to Earth's orbit around the sun. Therefore, most of the time, the moon passes either above or below the sun from Earth's perspective, resulting in a missed eclipse.
• Size of the moon: The apparent size of the moon in the sky is about the same as that of the sun. However, the moon's orbit is elliptical, so its distance from Earth varies. Only when the moon is at the closest point in its orbit, which is the perigee, can it appear large enough to completely cover the sun's disk.
• Narrow path of totality: Even when a total eclipse does occur, the path of totality is relatively narrow, usually only about 100 miles wide. This means that only a small fraction of the Earth's surface gets to experience the total eclipse.

What is the most rarest eclipse?

The most rare and extraordinary type of eclipse may be the hybrid solar eclipse, also known as an annular-total eclipse. This phenomenon occurs when an eclipse transitions between being annular and total along its path of totality, according to NASA.

During a hybrid eclipse, the curvature of the Earth's surface and the variations in the moon's distance from Earth cause the eclipse to appear annular at some points along the path and total at others.

When is the next solar eclipse?

Here are the dates and where to see the upcoming solar eclipses according to NASA:

• Oct. 2, 2024: Annular solar eclipse, will be seen in South America, Antarctica, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and North America.
• March 29, 2025: Partial solar eclipse, will be seen in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Atlantic Ocea and the Arctic Ocean.
• Sept. 21, 2025: Partial solar eclipse, will be seen in Australia, Antarctica, Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Feb. 17, 2026: Annular solar eclipse, will be seen in Antarctica, Africa, South America, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.
• Aug. 12, 2026: Total solar eclipse, will be seen in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and Portugal.

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