T is for Totality

 Totality is the very short part of an eclipse when the moon completely covers or blocks the sun or the Earth’s shadow completely, and blocks our view of the moon. In my animation you will see the moon being covered by a dark shadow during the eclipse. You will also see Baily Beads, and the Diamond Ring forming. Baily Beads are Bead like bursts of light that appear about 15 before and after Totality. Diamond Ring is a large burst of light that happens only a few seconds before and after Totality. The Diamond Ring is caused by the very last bit of sunlight shining through valleys on the edge of the moon.     

This web page was created by Molly, a student at John R. Briggs Elementary School on December 12, 2005. I got my information from Zoom Astronomy Dictionary.