The animation shows what the eclipse approximately looks like. Stages and times of the eclipse are outlined below. The moment the edge of the Moon touches the edge of the Sun is called first contact. The moment the edge of the Moon covers all of the Sun is called second contact. The deepest point of the eclipse, with the Sun at its most hidden. The moment the edge of the Moon exposes the Sun is called third contact.
The edge of the Moon leaves the edge of the Sun. The corona forms a ring around the dark Moon, while the Sun dazzles like a jewel.
Just before totality, beads of sunlight stream through valleys along the edge of the Moon. Just before annularity, beads of sunlight stream through valleys along the edge of the Moon. The moment the Sun forms a ring around the Moon is called second contact. The Sun shines as a dazzling annulus a ring shape around the Moon. Reddish, tounge-like prominences may poke out from the Sun during totality.
During totality, the ghostly corona shines as brightly as a Full Moon. Just before the end of totality, the chromosphere briefly reappears. The ring of the corona around the Moon disappears from view.
The moment the edge of the Moon leaves the edge of the Sun is called fourth contact. As the Moon covers the Sun, the amount of solar energy decreases. As the eclipse progresses, the sky starts to become noticeably darker. Conditions continue to change as the amount of solar energy decreases. Surroundings start to darken, while colors start to turn grayish.
