The Moon moves between the Sun and Earth. It blocks the face of the Sun. This is a total solar eclipse.

During the eclipse, the sky gets dark. It looks like dawn or dusk, even in the day.

Never look straight at the Sun without proper eye protection. That is true in a partial eclipse too.

Eclipse glasses are special glasses. They are made for looking at the Sun safely. Sunglasses are not safe for that. Ask a grown-up for eclipse glasses.

An eclipse of the Sun happens at the new moon. The Moon moves between Earth and the Sun.

Sometimes the Moon covers only part of the Sun. Then you get a partial eclipse. Only a small part of Earth sees it.

The Moon has eclipses too. Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. This eclipse happens at the full moon.

Picture a total lunar eclipse. The Moon often looks a dull red or orange.

Words to know

• eclipse: light blocked
• solar: of the Sun
• partial: only part
• shadow: dark patch