Full solar eclipse. EPA-EFE

The world eagerly anticipates the total solar eclipse set to grace the skies on April 8.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon blocks the sun. This occurs when a new moon is positioned in front of the sun, causing darkness. This is the opposite of a lunar eclipse, where the Earth's shadow covers the moon, blocking its light.

According to PAGASA Astronomical Observatory, the moon orbits the Earth every month, but due to its inclination, it doesn't align perfectly with the Earth.

Total solar eclipse 2024: Who gets to see it and what to expect?

"So may time na tumatama mismo 'yung moon dun sa path na magkatapat 'yung araw at saka 'yung earth so nasa gitna siya, dun po tayo nagkakaroon ng solar eclipse," said PAGASA astronomer Nico Mendoza.

(There are times when the moon aligns perfectly in a path between the sun and the Earth, so it is in the middle, that's when we have a solar eclipse.)

 He also explained that solar eclipses occur roughly four times a year and during this event, the sun's appearance could be likened to dusk or sunset.

"May instance na kapag nangyari ‘yun may mga tumitilaok na manok kasi akala nila pa-sunrise pa lang," Mendoza said. 

(There are instances when that happens, roosters crow because they think it's just sunrise.)

He added that it's unsafe to directly observe a solar eclipse due to the sun's brightness. Protective filters or sunglasses are necessary.

However, the April 8 solar eclipse won't be visible in the Philippines as it will pass over North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Mendoza added that while the moon is positioned on the morning side, it would be nighttime in the Philippines during this event.

"Ibig sabihin nandun siya sa area kung nasan 'yung other side of the world which is ‘yung western side. So dahil nasa Western side ‘yung moon, essentially dun lang makikita 'yung solar eclipse," Mendoza said.

(It means it's in the area where the other side of the world is, which is the western side. So because the moon is on the western side, essentially, that's where the solar eclipse can only be seen.)

The next total solar eclipse in the Philippines is set to happen on April 20, 2042, and it will be visible from Legazpi City.

There are also some conspiracy theories surrounding solar eclipses, such as the end of the world, associated with bad omens. Pregnant women and children are advised to stay indoors during an eclipse supposedly to keep them safe from potential harm.

In the Philippines, there's a superstition that eclipses are caused by a mythical creature called Bakunawa, a serpent-like water dragon.

Meet the Texas woman who’s chased 20 solar eclipses around the world

However, Mendoza said there's no scientific basis for these beliefs.

"Nangyayari na 'yung eclipse since time immemorial so as time progress[ed] mas naiintindihan ng mga tao kung bakit may eclipse so nadi-disassociate na 'yung mga maling paniniwala," Mendoza said.

(The eclipse has been happening since time immemorial, so as time progresses, people understand more why eclipses occur, so incorrect beliefs are being disassociated.)