second contact

In astronomy, an eclipse occurs when three celestial objects align, causing one to be obscured by another. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun's light. This event is visible from a narrow path on Earth.

The phases of a total solar eclipse include "first contact," when the Moon first touches the Sun's disk, leading to a partial phase where the Sun appears as a crescent. "Second contact" marks the beginning of totality, revealing the Sun's chromosphere and prominences, and making brighter planets and stars visible. The "corona" of the Sun also becomes apparent. This period of totality is brief, typically lasting only a few minutes. "Third contact" signifies the Moon's edge revealing the Sun again, reversing the phenomena of second contact. The eclipse concludes with "fourth contact," when the Moon no longer overlaps the Sun's disk. It is crucial to use special eye protection during all phases except the brief period of totality to prevent eye damage. An occultation is a similar phenomenon where a smaller body completely obscures a larger one, such as a star being hidden by the Moon.123