Vocabulary›C1›Earth’s natural phenomena›Wonders of the night sky›solar eclipse
phraseC1

solar eclipse

/ˌsoʊlər ɪˈklɪps/
Lesson: Wonders of the night sky

The event in which the Moon moves in front of the Sun and blocks some or all of its light from Earth.

A total solar eclipse hides the whole visible disk of the Sun; a partial one hides only part, while an annular one leaves a bright ring visible. It can happen only at new moon, but not at every new moon.

Illustration for solar eclipse
EXAMPLES
  • We drove out of the city to watch the solar eclipse from a clear spot.
  • The forecast says the solar eclipse will be visible here just after noon.
  • Remember to use certified glasses when you watch a solar eclipse.
SYNONYMS
eclipse of the Sun
GRAMMAR
Countable noun phrase · often used with a/an or the
COMMON COLLOCATIONS
total solar eclipsepartial solar eclipsewatch a solar eclipsesolar eclipse glasses
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