A total eclipse is a type of solar eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun in such a way that it completely covers the Sun's bright disk, causing the sky to darken dramatically. This alignment results in the Moon casting a shadow on the Earth, temporarily blocking out the Sun's light.

During a total eclipse, the Moon is at the right distance from the Earth and appears to be the same size as the Sun, leading to a perfect alignment known as "syzygy." This alignment allows the Moon to cover the entire disk of the Sun, turning day into night for a brief period.

As the Moon moves across the Sun, the sky darkens, and stars and planets become visible. The Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, becomes visible as a faint halo around the blacked-out Sun, creating a stunning sight. This glowing, wispy corona is usually hidden by the Sun's brightness and can only be seen during a total solar eclipse.

Total solar eclipses are relatively rare events and are visible from specific locations on Earth. The path of totality, where the Sun is entirely obscured by the Moon, is usually narrow, and observers outside this path experience only a partial solar eclipse. To witness a total eclipse safely, it's essential to use appropriate eye protection or watch it indirectly through special solar filters or projection methods.

1. How many types of solar eclipses are there?
There are three types of solar eclipses: total solar eclipses, partial solar eclipses, and annular solar eclipses.

2. How often do solar eclipses occur?
Solar eclipses happen two to five times a year but are not visible from every location on Earth.

3. Why are total solar eclipses considered rare?
Total solar eclipses are considered rare because they require specific alignments of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. The path of totality is relatively narrow, and it often occurs over remote or inaccessible areas.

4. Are eclipses safe to watch with the naked eye?
No, it is not safe to look directly at a solar eclipse with the naked eye, as the intense sunlight can cause serious eye damage. Proper eye protection, such as solar viewing glasses or eclipse viewers, should be used to observe a solar eclipse safely.

5. Where is the best place to observe a solar eclipse?
The best place to observe a solar eclipse is within the path of totality, where a total solar eclipse is visible. This path changes with each eclipse and is often over specific regions on Earth.

6. How long does a total solar eclipse last?
The duration of a total solar eclipse varies, with the maximum time of totality lasting around seven and a half minutes.

7. How can I photograph a solar eclipse safely?
Photographing a solar eclipse requires special solar filters for cameras or smartphones. Never attempt to photograph the Sun without proper filters as it can damage your eyes and camera equipment.

8. Can animals behave differently during an eclipse?
Yes, some animals may exhibit changes in behavior during a solar eclipse. Birds may become quiet, and animals may behave as if it's nighttime, mistaking the temporary darkness for evening.

9. Can I predict when and where a solar eclipse will occur?
Yes, astronomers can predict the occurrence of solar eclipses well in advance using complex calculations and astronomical models. Eclipse prediction tables and maps are available for each eclipse event.

10. Can an eclipse affect the weather?
While eclipses do not directly affect the weather, there may be localized changes in temperature and wind patterns during a total solar eclipse due to the temporary reduction in sunlight.

11. Why do total solar eclipses appear as a "ring of fire"?
During an annular solar eclipse, when the Moon's apparent size is slightly smaller than the Sun, the Sun's outer edge remains visible, forming a bright ring around the Moon. This is known as the "ring of fire."

Code Red is an emergency warning tool used to make rapid emergency telephone notifications to residents and businesses in precise geographic areas. Code Red will be used by the City of Harker Heights emergency officials, during emergencies only, to deliver incident-specific information or potentially life-saving instruction to those in the affected area(s).

Code Red integrates mapping technology with phone databases, and will automatically call listed landline telephone numbers for residents and businesses.

Unlisted and Cellular phone numbers are not automatically included in the system database, nor are Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems. If you would like to receive these emergency telephone notifications on your cellular or VoIP phone, you must first register these phone numbers. You may register at the Self-Registration Portal by clicking on the button below.

All alerts are sent simultaneously via our time-tested Emergency Notification System to phones, cell phones, SMS text messaging devices, email, pagers and TTY/TTD devices.