Eclipses of the Sun and Moon
The sun and the moon have normal, predictable, everyday lives. Each day like clockwork they rise, they shine, and they set. The moon also has a monthly habit of gradually changing its shape a little bit from day to day, waxing and waning and waxing and waning in a regular monthly rhythm. But every once in a while, something extraordinary happens. On special occasions, the sun or the moon can be erased from the sky for a couple of hours. Sometimes only part of it disappears, and sometimes the whole thing vanishes. Whenever some or all of the sun or moon disappears, we call that an “eclipse”. (The name comes from ancient Greek roots that mean to be “left out” or “omitted”. Something that was supposed to be there isn't there.) When the sun disappears, we call that a “solar eclipse,” and when the moon disappears, we call that a “lunar eclipse.” If only part of it is missing, we say it is a “partial eclipse,” and if all of it disappears, we call that a “total eclipse”.
When you see an eclipse, what’s going on? What’s happening out there in outer space that causes part of the sun or moon to disappear? Is it a shadow? Is some huge dark thing in outer space coming in between us and the sun or moon, and blocking our view of it?
You don’t have to trust priests of astronomy to understand eclipses. You don’t have to study cartoons and memorize diagrams prepared for you by the authorities. The first scientists in history were able to figure out eclipses more than 2000 years ago, with no telescopes, no space travel, and not even a complete map of the world. You, too, can see what’s going on for yourself...if you can see the clues, and if you know what to do with them. You can figure things out for yourself...by looking, and by thinking.
Upcoming Eclipses
Fall 2024 Eclipse Season
- September 18, 2024
- This will be a very weak lunar eclipse, but it may be fun as an observing challenge. It will be visible in the Americas, Europe, and Africa. For details, try Time and Date's Page
- October 2, 2024
- This will be an annular Solar Eclipse, but not many people will be able to see it. It will be visible (at least partially) across much of the Pacific and South America. It will be partially visible in Hawaii. For further details, again I recommend Time and Date's Page.
Spring 2025 Eclipse Season
- March 13-14, 2025
- This will be a total lunar eclipse, easily visible across all of North America and much of South America. It will also be partially visible in Europe, Africa, and the Asian Pacific Rim. Time and Date's Page has more details.
- March 29, 2025
- This will be a mere partial solar eclipse, visible only in lands near the North Pole. Portions of Europe and northeastern Canada may be able to catch a glimpse of it. As usual, I recommend Time and Date's Page for more details.