What different types of solar eclipse are there?
The type of solar eclipse depends on the relative positions of the Sun, Earth and Moon, as well as where exactly on Earth you're watching from.
Total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon completely covers the Sun, and observers are within the darkest part of the Moon's shadow (its umbra). Areas covered by partial shade (its penumbra) witness a partial eclipse.
Annular solar eclipse
When the Moon is not at the point in its orbit where it's closest to Earth, its apparent diameter is less than that of the Sun. During an annular eclipse, even where the Moon's disk covers the Sun centrally, the outer ring of the Sun's disk is still visible. The Sun's edges visible around the Moon is called the annulus (derived from the Latin for 'ring') and is also called a 'ring of fire'.
During an annular eclipse, spectators may also see 'Baily's beads' around the edge of the Moon. This is when the Moon's mountains and valleys are silhouetted against the Sun.
Partial solar eclipse
A partial eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth but the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly aligned. This means that only part of the Sun is hidden by the Moon.
Hybrid solar eclipse
Hybrid solar eclipses are quite rare. This happens when the eclipse is annular from some locations, and total from other locations.
