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Eclipses
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What are Eclipses?
Infographic: Types of solar eclipses. Click image for full version.
An eclipse is an astronomical event where one celestial body partially or totally covers another celestial object.
This happens when the eclipsing body comes between the observer and the eclipsedobject like in the case of a solar eclipse, or when the eclipsing body temporarily cuts offthe source of illumination of the eclipsed object, like during a lunar eclipse.
Types of EclipsesWith Animations: All Eclipses 19002099
Observers from Earth can see two types of eclipses – eclipses of the Sun (solareclipses), and eclipses of the Moon (lunar eclipses). These occur when the Sun, Earthand Moon align in a straight or almost straight configuration. Astronomers call this asyzygy, from the ancient Greek word syzygia, meaning to be yoked or conjunctedtogether.
The term eclipse also finds its roots in ancient Greek – it comes from the word ékleipsis,meaning to fail or abandoned.
Eclipses, solar and lunar, have fascinated scientists and lay people for centuries. Inancient times, eclipses were seen as phenomena to be feared – many cultures came upwith stories and myths to explain the temporary darkening of the Sun or the Moon. In recent centuries, eclipses have been sought after by scientistsand astronomers who use the events to study and examine our natural world.
Solar EclipsesWith Animations: Solar Eclipses 19002099
Solar eclipses can only occur during a new Moon, when the Moon moves betweenthe Earth and the Sun and the three celestial bodies form a straight line: Earth Moon Sun.
There are 3 kinds of solar eclipses: total, partial, annular. There is also a rare hybridthat is a combination of two eclipses.
Total Solar EclipsesWith Animations: Total Solar Eclipses 19002099
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, as seen fromEarth. Totality during such an eclipse can only be seen from a very small area onEarth. This area is usually about 100 miles (160 kms) wide and 10,000 miles (16,100kms) long. Areas outside this track may be able to see a partial eclipse of the Sun.
Looking at a solar eclipse without any protective eyewear can severely harm youreyes. The only way to safely see a solar eclipse is to wear protective eclipse glassesor to project an image of the eclipsed Sun using a DIY Pinhole Projector.
Partial Solar EclipsesWith Animations: Partial Solar Eclipses 19002099
A partial solar eclipse can be observed when the Earth, Moon and Sun do not align ina perfectly straight line, and the Moon only partially covers the disc of the Sun.
Annular Solar EclipsesWith Animations: Annular Solar Eclipses 19002099
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon appears smaller than the Sun as itpasses centrally across the solar disk and a bright ring, or annulus, of sunlightremains visible during the eclipse.
Hybrid Solar EclipsesA hybrid solar eclipse is a rare form of solar eclipse, which changes from an annular to a total solar eclipse along its path.
Next Total Solar Eclipse: mar, 8 de mar – mie, 9 de mar de 2016 … See animation × ▸
A partial solar eclipse.©iStockphoto.com/HansWalter Untch
Lunar EclipsesWith Animations: Lunar Eclipses 19002099
The Moon does not have its own light. It shines because its surface reflects the Sun'srays. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon andblocks the Sun's rays from directly reaching the Moon. Lunar eclipses only happen atfull Moon.
There are 3 kinds of lunar eclipses: total, partial, and penumbral.
Total Lunar EclipsesWith Animations: Total Lunar Eclipses 19002099
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth's umbra – the central, dark part of itsshadow – obscures all of the Moon's visible surface.
Partial Lunar EclipsesWith Animations: Partial Lunar Eclipses 19002099
A partial lunar eclipse can be observed when only part of the Moon's visible surface isobscured by the Earth’s umbra.
Penumbral Lunar EclipsesWith Animations: Penumbral Lunar Eclipses 19002099
A penumbral lunar eclipse happens when the Moon travels through the faint penumbral portion of the Earth’s shadow.
Partial lunar eclipse in 2008 seen in Germany.©iStockphoto.com/cinoby
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