When does solar eclipse occur?

Solar eclipses are rare, which is why many people who love science make a note of when they are set to occur. The next date of the solar eclipse to occur is June 21, 2020. This type of eclipse will be an annual eclipse. When this type of eclipse occurs, the moon covers about half of the Sun. Annual eclipses normally last for about 12 minutes.

The eclipse that will be seen in June will be visible from certain areas of the world, which will include Africa, parts of southeastern Europe, and most of Asia. Along with those regions, some areas of Australia will also be able to see the eclipse.

When a shadow is cast by the moon, which partially or fully blocks the sunlight, a solar eclipse occurs. The absolute alignment of the moon, sun, and earth is imperative for the event to take place. This type of alignment overlaps with a new moon. A solar eclipse only transpires when the moon is most proximal to the ecliptic plane. A solar eclipse can only happen during this scenario.

Certain conditions need to exist for the two events to correspond because the moon's orbit crosses the ecliptic at its orbital nodes twice each draconic month, and a new moon occurs every synodic month. Therefore, solar and lunar eclipses arise specifically during eclipse seasons. This timeframe results in about two to five solar eclipses each year.