What is a solar eclipse and when does it occur? NASA says it happens occasionally

Various social media posts have claimed that a solar eclipse is set to happen on August 2, 2025 during which the world will plunge into darkness for six minutes. These claims have confused skywatchers around the world, with many looking forward to the solar eclipse.

But these claims have been refuted by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), stating that " “no solar eclipse is scheduled for that date”. NASA has clarified that the total eclipse is on August 2, but the year is 2027, which is being called the "Eclipse of the Century".

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What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth line up, either fully or partially. Depending on how they align, eclipses provide a unique, exciting view of either the Sun or the Moon, says NASA.

"A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the Sun’s light in some areas. This only happens occasionally, because the Moon doesn't orbit in the exact same plane as the Sun and Earth do. The time when they are aligned is known as eclipse season, which happens twice a year," according to NASA.

NASA advises observers to always use eclipse glasses or an alternative safe solar viewing method, such as a pinhole projector, to view the Sun. This includes when watching a partial or annular eclipse, or before or after totality for a total solar eclipse.

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What is a total, annual, partial and hybrid solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun, says NASA. A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses (which are not the same as regular sunglasses) for the brief period of time when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun.

An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover the Sun.

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"A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth but the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly lined up. Only a part of the Sun will appear to be covered, giving it a crescent shape," according to NASA.

Because Earth's surface is curved, sometimes an eclipse can shift between annular and total as the Moon’s shadow moves across the globe. This is called a hybrid solar eclipse.

Is there a solar eclipse today?

What is being dubbed as the ‘Eclipse of the century’ will take place on August 2, 2027. This total solar eclipse will be visible over parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for a duration of 6 minutes and 23 seconds. Its long duration makes the eclipse a rare occurrence, marking it as the most significant celestial event, something which will not happen till 2114.