Astronomy 100 -- Lunar and Solar Eclipses

LUNAR AND SOLAR ECLIPSES
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Eclipse Image Gallery
NASA/GSFC Eclipse Home Page

Satellite Images of Lunar Shadow During
Total Solar Eclipse, February 1998.
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When the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun (New Moon Phase), SOLAR ECLIPSES can occur.

Since only the tip of the shadow of the Moon reaches the Earth, Solar Eclipses usually last only 2 to 3 minutes. The longest can be about 7 minutes. There are times when the tip does not reach the Earth and an ANNULAR ECLIPSE will occur.

Interested in a VERY Rare Eclipse?
Hybrid (Total/Annular) Solar Eclipse: April 8 2005
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When the Moon passes through the shadow of the Earth, LUNAR ECLIPSES will occur (Full Moon phase).

As the shadow of the Earth is larger then the Moon, Lunar Eclipses usually last for several hours and can be observed from many areas on the Earth.

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REGIONS OF THE ECLIPSE SHADOW

Fix Figure 9-09

UMBRA:
The central, completely dark part of a shadow.
PENUMBRA:
The outer, not completely dark part of a shadow; the region from which the source of light is not completely hidden.

Region A: In the UMBRA, TOTAL eclipse observed.
Region B: in the PENUMBRA, PARTIAL eclipse observed.
Region C: in the PENUMBRA, PARTIAL eclipse observed.
Region D: Behind the UMBRA, ANNULAR eclipse observed.

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Total solar eclipse seen from Aruba
This amazing experience photographed by Dr. Kawaler.

Eclipses do not occur every month as the orbit of the Moon is tipped by 5 degrees with respect to the Ecliptic.

Fix Figure 2-25

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NODES: Points where the lunar orbit crosses the Ecliptic
LINE OF NODES: Line connecting the lunar nodes.

Fix Figure 2-26

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For Eclipses to occur, the LINE OF NODES must point towards the Sun. This happens about every 6 months. At this time, eclipses will occur when the Moon passes through one of the nodes.

Fix Figure 9-04

Fix Figure 9-14

Lunar Phases and Motions
Early Astronomy
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