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SOLAR ECLIPSEMoon: 1.25 light-seconds Perhaps the most majestic sight of all is a total solar eclipse. The Sun is about 400 times bigger than the Moon, but by complete coincidence it is also 400 times farther away. Once every few years, the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow over a small part of the Earth. Inside this shadow, a total solar eclipse is visible, and day turns to night. Credit: Eckhard Slawik. |