.TOTAL SOLAR eclipses possess impressed people considering that opportunity out of thoughts. The very first document of one, protected on a clay-based tablet located at Ugarit, currently in Syria, is actually strongly believed from its grow older as well as site to define either an eclipse that happened in 1375BC or even one in 1223BC. Epic explanations for eclipses include the Sun being eaten by pet dogs, toads or even dragons. The fact is actually a lot more prosaic. Eclipses are triggered by the Moon relocating between Sunlight as well as Earth in such a way that throws a shadow on part of The planet's surface area. Why are total ones, like the one crossing component of North America on April 8th, so uncommon?