.TOTAL SOLAR eclipses have impressed people because time out of mind. The very first report of one, protected on a clay-based tablet discovered at Ugarit, currently in Syria, is actually believed from its age as well as location to explain either an eclipse that took place in 1375BC or even one in 1223BC. Famous illustrations for eclipses include the Sun being actually eaten through pet dogs, toads or monsters. The truth is a lot more prosaic. Eclipses are actually dued to the Moon relocating between Sun and also Earth in such a way that casts a darkness on aspect of Earth's surface area. Why are total ones, like the one crossing component of The United States and Canada on April 8th, therefore rare?