A solar eclipse - magnificent if you get the chance to see one! - happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth to block out part of the sun

The most spectacular eclipses occur when the centre of the sun is "blaked out" by the moon, and all but a thin ring of burning sunlight can be seen round the darkness.

Want to see details of past and future total eclipses? - visit the NASA site here

But what is the link to molecules?

Take a quick look at the photos of people watching the eclipse yesterday by clicking the headline above - notice anything in particular?

They are all wearing protective eye-wear.  Without these, looking at the sun, even a total eclipse, would damage our eyes by burning the cells in the retina at the back of our eyes which detect light.

NEVER try to look at the sun without these special glasses!!! 

Read more details here

The special filters in the glasses made so that you can safely watch the eclipse have a thin layer of chromium alloy or aluminium on them, so that less than 0.003% of visible light and 0.5%  of near infrared can get through

Photographic film is only safe in certain circumstances - so don't risk it - use the special glasses from a local science centre or school instead!

Action:

It is a bit difficult to organise an eclipse, so look on the NASA site for when your area will have its next solar eclipse ... and get your special glasses ready!