On the 8th of April, 2024, an exciting and rare event occurred: a total solar eclipse seen from areas in North America. But what exactly is a solar eclipse, and why do they hold such significance?

Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the earth's surface due to the moon's orbit around the earth. This occasional positioning directly in line with the sun results in a stunning spectacle where the sun is either partially or completely obscured, depending on the location. 

Despite the odd superstitions and myths that some ancient civilisations developed over the years, in the past, astronomers have used eclipses to better understand the cosmos. For example, a solar eclipse in 1919 provided evidence for Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity, as astronomer observed the shift in the positions of stars near the sun, confirming Einstein's prediction about the bending of light in the presence of massive objects.

For a while now, eclipses have become highly anticipated events, drawing crowds of enthusiastic people and scientists - and this solar eclipse of 2024 was no exception. Approximately 44 million watched it happen, however there are some dangers that come with solar eclipses, so make sure that you never directly look at a solar eclipse without appropriate eye protection, as it can result in permanent injury.

Unfortunately, I was not lucky enough to be able to see this solar eclipse from where I live. Were you?