An annular solar eclipse, a total solar eclipse, and the normal sunrise or sunset differ in terms of their visual appearances and the specific alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Here's an explanation of each phenomenon:
Annular Solar Eclipse: During an annular solar eclipse, the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun but does not completely cover it. As a result, when viewed from certain locations on Earth, the Moon appears slightly smaller than the Sun, leaving a bright ring or annulus of sunlight visible around the Moon's edges. This occurs because the Moon's orbit around Earth is elliptical, and when it is at its farthest point from Earth (apogee), its apparent size appears smaller, making it unable to fully block the Sun's disk. During an annular solar eclipse, observers experience a partial blocking of sunlight, resulting in a characteristic "ring of fire" effect.
Total Solar Eclipse: In contrast to an annular eclipse, a total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon aligns precisely between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the Sun's disk. This alignment allows the Moon to cast a shadow on Earth, causing a temporary period of darkness in the regions that fall within the shadow's path, known as the path of totality. During a total solar eclipse, observers within this path experience the Moon entirely obscuring the Sun, revealing the Sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona. The corona appears as a beautiful, ethereal halo of light around the darkened Moon.
Normal Sunrise or Sunset: When you witness a normal sunrise or sunset, the Sun is visible on the horizon, and its light illuminates the surrounding sky. The sky gradually transitions from darkness to light as the Sun rises, or from light to darkness as the Sun sets. During these events, there is no obstruction of the Sun by the Moon or any other celestial object.
In summary, during an annular solar eclipse, the Moon partially covers the Sun, leaving a ring of sunlight visible. In a total solar eclipse, the Moon aligns perfectly with the Sun, completely blocking its disk and revealing the Sun's corona. In contrast, a normal sunrise or sunset occurs when the Sun is visible on the horizon without any obstruction, as the sky transitions from darkness to light or light to darkness.