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What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the Sun's light. This rare alignment turns day into a brief twilight, allowing scientists to study the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, which is usually hidden by the bright solar disk. The August 12 eclipse offers a prime opportunity for this.
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Eclipse chasers travel worldwide for Europe's first total solar eclipse in 25 years August 12 total eclipse offers scientists rare chance to study SunRelated explainers
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