Candles are a leading cause of home fires and fatalities. Soot on the walls and furnishings is unsightly, and may also be a sign of serious problems. It may also be unhealthy, as inhalation of minute particles of soot has been documented to cause health problems.
It is a popular misconception that the phenomenon of a total eclipse of the sun is a rare occurrence. Quite the contrary. Approximately once every 18 months (on average) a total solar eclipse is visible from some place on the Earthâs surface. That's two totalities for every three years.
A Total Solar Eclipse can last for several hours. Totality can range from a few seconds to 7 and a half minutes. The longest Total Solar Eclipse of the 21st century took place on July 22, 2009 when the totality lasted 6 mins and 39 secs. Total Solar Eclipses are rare, and only happen (every one or two to three years) when: 1  There is a New Moon. 2  The Moon is near a lunar node.