Eclipse Calculator: Predict Solar & Lunar Events
Find upcoming solar and lunar eclipses visible from your location. Plan for nature’s most spectacular celestial displays with precise timing and visibility data.
Eclipses are among nature’s most awe-inspiring events—moments when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align precisely, casting shadows across space. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between Earth and Sun; lunar eclipses happen when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. Our Eclipse Calculator predicts these events years in advance, showing exactly when and where each eclipse will be visible, what type it will be, and how much of the Sun or Moon will be obscured—essential for planning eclipse trips or backyard observations.
Eclipse prediction is ancient science refined over millennia. The Saros cycle—discovered by Babylonians—predicts that similar eclipses recur every 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours. Modern calculations use precise orbital mechanics: the Moon’s orbit is tilted 5.1° to Earth’s orbit around the Sun, so eclipses only occur when these planes intersect (eclipse seasons). The NASA Eclipse Website provides data extending thousands of years, revealing patterns governing these cosmic coincidences.
A total solar eclipse is often called the most spectacular natural phenomenon visible from Earth. The Sun’s corona—normally invisible—emerges as a shimmering halo; stars appear at midday; temperatures drop noticeably. Total eclipses are rare at any location (once every 375 years on average), inspiring “eclipse chasers” who travel worldwide. Lunar eclipses, while less dramatic, are visible from entire hemispheres and feature beautiful “blood moon” coloring as Earth’s atmosphere refracts red light onto the Moon.
Find Upcoming Eclipses
Get eclipse predictions for your location with precise timing
🌑 Eclipse Calculator - Lifetime Eclipse Predictor
Calculate every solar and lunar eclipse you'll witness in your lifetime. From dramatic total solar eclipses to serene blood moons, discover all celestial alignments visible from your location.
What are Eclipses? Eclipses occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align. Solar eclipses happen when the Moon blocks the Sun (visible during day). Lunar eclipses occur when Earth's shadow falls on the Moon (visible at night). These cosmic alignments have amazed humanity for millennia and continue to be among nature's most spectacular phenomena.
🎂 Calculate Your Lifetime Eclipses
Discover how many eclipses you'll see from birth to expected lifespan
🌓 Types of Eclipses
Understanding different eclipse phenomena
Total Solar Eclipse
Moon completely covers Sun, revealing corona. Day turns to twilight. Most spectacular celestial event. Only visible from narrow path.
Partial Solar Eclipse
Moon covers part of Sun, creating crescent shape. Never safe to look without glasses. Less dramatic than totality.
Annular Solar Eclipse
Moon too far from Earth to completely cover Sun, creating "ring of fire." Still requires eye protection.
Hybrid Solar Eclipse
Begins as annular, becomes total, ends annular due to Earth's curvature. Rarest type.
Total Lunar Eclipse
Earth's shadow completely covers Moon, turning it red ("blood moon"). Visible from entire night side of Earth.
Partial Lunar Eclipse
Earth's shadow covers only part of Moon. Less dramatic than total but still beautiful.
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
Moon passes through Earth's faint outer shadow. Subtle darkening, often unnoticeable.
📅 Upcoming Major Eclipses (2025-2035)
Notable eclipses worth planning for
Total Lunar Eclipse
Partial Solar Eclipse
Total Lunar Eclipse
Partial Solar Eclipse
Annular Solar Eclipse
Total Solar Eclipse
Total Solar Eclipse
Total Lunar Eclipse
Total Solar Eclipse
Annular Solar Eclipse
Total Solar Eclipse
Total Solar Eclipse
Total Solar Eclipse
Total Solar Eclipse
🏆 Historic Eclipses That Changed the World
Eclipses that influenced science, history, and culture
First Recorded Eclipse
March 5, 1223 BCE
Location: Ugarit, Syria
Earliest known solar eclipse record, inscribed on clay tablet from ancient Ugarit. Text describes: "On the day of the new moon, in the month of Hiyar, the Sun was put to shame." Archaeological evidence dates this to 1223 BCE.
Impact: Proved ancient civilizations tracked astronomical events. The tablet survived 3,200+ years, providing crucial dating evidence for ancient Near Eastern chronology.
Battle of Halys Eclipse
May 28, 585 BCE
Location: Anatolia, Turkey
Total solar eclipse during battle between Lydians and Medes. Both armies interpreted the darkening sky as divine omen to end their 6-year war. Thales of Miletus allegedly predicted this eclipse, though this is debated.
Impact: Ended a war and demonstrated predictive power of astronomy. Known as "Eclipse that Stopped a War." Showed celestial events could influence human affairs.
Crucifixion Eclipse Theory
April 3, 33 CE
Location: Jerusalem
Partial lunar eclipse visible from Jerusalem on Passover. Some scholars suggest this was the "darkness" described during the crucifixion, though biblical accounts describe darkness during daytime (impossible for lunar eclipse). More likely a dust storm or literary device.
Impact: Sparked centuries of debate about astronomical events in religious texts. Demonstrates how eclipses influenced historical interpretation and mythology.
Columbus Eclipse Deception
February 29, 1504
Location: Jamaica
Christopher Columbus, stranded in Jamaica, used his astronomical tables to predict a lunar eclipse. He told indigenous people that God would darken the Moon if they didn't provide food. When the eclipse occurred as predicted, terrified locals supplied provisions.
Impact: Demonstrated how astronomical knowledge conveyed power. Columbus exploited this eclipse, though modern historians debate the ethical implications of using science for manipulation.
Einstein's Relativity Proof
May 29, 1919
Location: Principe Island & Brazil
Arthur Eddington led expeditions to photograph stars near the Sun during totality. Measurements showed starlight bent by Sun's gravity, exactly as Einstein's General Relativity predicted but contradicting Newton's physics. Required eclipse darkness to see stars near Sun.
Impact: Confirmed Einstein's revolutionary theory, making him world-famous overnight. Revolutionized understanding of gravity, space, and time. One of most important scientific observations in history.
Longest 20th Century Eclipse
June 20, 1955
Location: Sri Lanka & Southeast Asia
Total solar eclipse lasting 7 minutes 8 seconds - longest of the 20th century. Path crossed Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Philippines. Hundreds of thousands witnessed. Scientists conducted extensive corona studies during the long totality.
Impact: Allowed unprecedented study of solar corona due to long duration. Millions of photographs taken. Inspired next generation of eclipse chasers.
Concorde Eclipse Chase
June 30, 1973
Location: Africa (airborne)
Scientists flew Concorde supersonic jet at Mach 2 inside the Moon's shadow, extending totality from 7 minutes to 74 minutes. Aircraft traveled 10,000 km at 17,000 meters altitude, matching shadow speed. Unprecedented opportunity for corona observation.
Impact: Longest totality ever experienced by humans. Proved that aircraft could be mobile observatories. Collected 74 minutes of coronal data - normally impossible.
1999 European Eclipse
August 11, 1999
Location: Europe & Middle East
Last total solar eclipse of the millennium crossed highly populated regions of Europe. Path included England, France, Germany, Romania, Turkey, and India. Estimated 350+ million people in path. Largest witnessed eclipse in human history.
Impact: Most-viewed eclipse ever. Generated unprecedented public interest in astronomy. Many eclipse chasers trace their passion to this event. Media coverage reached billions.
Longest 21st Century Eclipse
July 22, 2009
Location: China, India, Japan
Total solar eclipse lasting 6 minutes 39 seconds - longest of the 21st century (2001-2100). Path crossed India, China, and Pacific islands. Shanghai witnessed totality - 25+ million people in one city alone. No longer eclipse will occur until June 13, 2132.
Impact: Record modern eclipse. Massive scientific mobilization with hundreds of research teams. Documented by millions of cameras and smartphones.
Great American Eclipse
August 21, 2017
Location: United States
First total solar eclipse to cross entire United States since 1918. Path from Oregon to South Carolina. Approximately 12 million people in path of totality, 215 million within day's drive. Most-photographed eclipse in history - billions of images.
Impact: Reignited American interest in astronomy. Generated $700+ million in tourism. Inspired countless people to become eclipse chasers. Set stage for 2024 eclipse.
December 2020 Total Eclipse
December 14, 2020
Location: Chile & Argentina
Total solar eclipse during COVID-19 pandemic. Path crossed Chile and Argentina. Travel restrictions limited attendance, but millions watched livestreams. Demonstrated astronomy's ability to unite people during global crisis.
Impact: First major eclipse during pandemic. Pioneered virtual eclipse experiences. Showed resilience of astronomical community.
April 2024 North America Eclipse
April 8, 2024
Location: Mexico, USA, Canada
Total solar eclipse crossing Mexico, United States, and Canada. Path wider and longer than 2017 eclipse. Estimated 31+ million people in path of totality. Cities like Dallas, Indianapolis, and Montreal experienced totality. Maximum duration: 4 minutes 28 seconds.
Impact: Largest North American audience in history. Economic impact exceeded $1 billion. Final U.S. total eclipse until 2044. Inspired new generation of astronomers.
⚠️ Eclipse Safety Guide - CRITICAL INFORMATION
Protect your eyes - blindness can occur in seconds
NEVER Look Directly at Sun
Looking at the Sun without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage or blindness in seconds. Solar retinopathy burns your retina painlessly - you won't know until damage is done. This applies to ALL partial phases.
Use ISO 12312-2 Certified Glasses
Eclipse glasses must meet ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Regular sunglasses, even dark ones, are NOT safe - they block only 10-30% of light. Certified glasses block 99.999% of sunlight. Check for certification mark and no tears/scratches.
Totality Exception
Only during the brief totality phase (Moon completely covers Sun) is it safe to look without glasses. Remove glasses when totality begins, replace them the instant it ends. Outside totality, even 1% of Sun showing requires protection.
Never Use Unfiltered Telescopes
Telescopes and binoculars concentrate sunlight, causing instant permanent blindness. ALWAYS use proper solar filters on the FRONT of optics, never the eyepiece. Eyepiece filters can crack from heat. Filter must be rated for solar viewing.
Camera Safety
Smartphones can photograph eclipses safely (they have small sensors), but YOU must wear eclipse glasses while aiming the phone. DSLRs need solar filters. Never look through optical viewfinder at Sun. Use live view mode with solar filter attached.
Lunar Eclipses Are Safe
Lunar eclipses are 100% safe to view with naked eyes, binoculars, or telescopes. You're looking at the Moon, which reflects sunlight but isn't bright enough to harm eyes. No special glasses needed. Perfect for families and children.
Pinhole Projection
Safe indirect viewing method: poke small hole in cardboard, let sunlight pass through onto white surface. You see projected crescent as Moon blocks Sun. Great for children. Never look through the hole at Sun!
Beware of Fake Glasses
Counterfeit eclipse glasses flooded market before 2017 eclipse. Buy only from reputable vendors listed by American Astronomical Society. Check for ISO certification, manufacturer info, and date. When in doubt, don't use them.
Supervise Children
Children may not understand dangers or follow safety rules consistently. Supervise them every second. Consider keeping very young children indoors during partial phases. Let them view only during totality (if applicable) or use projection methods.
Glasses Have Expiration
Eclipse glasses older than 3 years should be discarded. Materials degrade over time, especially if exposed to heat. Inspect for scratches, tears, or separation of filters. Damage compromises protection. When in doubt, replace them.
Temperature Drops During Totality
Temperature can drop 10-15°C during totality. Bring layers even on warm days. Also prepare for sudden winds as temperature gradient creates air movement. Animals may exhibit nighttime behavior. Street lights might turn on.
Location is Everything
Being just outside path of totality means seeing 99% partial eclipse, not totality - vastly different experiences. Use precise coordinates to ensure you're in the path. A 50 km error means missing the main event entirely. Plan carefully.
📸 Eclipse Photography Guide
Capture these rare celestial events like a pro
📷 Solar Eclipse Equipment
- Solar Filter: Front-mounted solar filter (ISO 12312-2) - MANDATORY for all partial phases
- DSLR or Mirrorless: Camera with manual controls and RAW capability
- Telephoto Lens: 200-600mm for close-up Sun images (400mm ideal)
- Sturdy Tripod: Essential for stability during long event
- Remote Shutter: Cable release or intervalometer to avoid camera shake
- Eclipse Glasses: For YOU to wear while operating camera safely
🌕 Lunar Eclipse Equipment
- No Filters Needed: Completely safe - Moon can't hurt your eyes or camera
- DSLR or Mirrorless: Any camera with manual mode
- Telephoto Lens: 200-400mm captures Moon nicely
- Tripod: Required for sharp images at long exposures
- Extra Batteries: Lunar eclipses last hours - batteries drain
- Intervalometer: For time-lapse of entire eclipse
⚙️ Solar Eclipse Settings
- Partial Phases (filtered): ISO 100, f/8-f/11, 1/1000 to 1/4000 sec
- Totality (unfiltered): ISO 400-800, f/4-f/8, 1/500 to 1/15 sec (bracket exposures)
- Remove Filter for Totality: MUST remove solar filter or images will be black
- Corona Detail: Bracket: 1/2000, 1/500, 1/125, 1/30, 1/8, 1/2 sec
- Bailey's Beads: ISO 400, f/8, 1/1000 sec - be quick!
- Focus: Manual focus to infinity, test before eclipse starts
🌙 Lunar Eclipse Settings
- Bright Moon (partial): ISO 200, f/8, 1/250 sec
- Early/Late Totality: ISO 800, f/5.6, 1/4 sec
- Mid-Totality (darkest): ISO 1600-3200, f/4, 1-4 sec
- Blood Moon Peak: ISO 1600, f/5.6, 2 sec - adjust for redness
- Time-lapse: Shoot every 2-3 minutes throughout entire eclipse
- Include Landscape: ISO 3200, f/2.8, 15-30 sec for stars and Moon
🎨 Composition Techniques
- Solar Eclipse Composite: Multiple exposures showing eclipse progression across single image
- Diamond Ring Shot: Capture the moment totality begins/ends - iconic image
- Corona Detail: During totality, focus on intricate coronal structures
- Landscape + Eclipse: Include foreground (trees, buildings) for scale and interest
- People Reactions: Don't forget to photograph viewers - captures human experience
- Time-lapse Planning: Frame wide enough for Sun/Moon to move through scene
✓ Totality Checklist (Solar)
- Remove solar filter: 30 seconds before totality
- Remove eclipse glasses: When totality begins
- Shoot Baily's Beads: First 5 seconds
- Shoot chromosphere/prominences: Short exposures (1/1000)
- Shoot corona: Bracket exposures widely (1/2000 to 1 sec)
- Experience totality: Put camera down for 30 seconds - LOOK UP!
- Shoot diamond ring: As totality ends
- Replace filter immediately: Instant totality ends
- Replace eclipse glasses: Once Sun visible again
CRITICAL PHOTOGRAPHY WARNING
Never look through an unfiltered camera viewfinder at the Sun during solar eclipses. Use live view mode or electronic viewfinder with solar filter attached. Looking through optical viewfinder concentrates sunlight and causes instant permanent blindness. Solar filters must be mounted on the FRONT of the lens, never the eyepiece.
🔬 Amazing Eclipse Facts
The science and wonder of celestial alignments
240+ Eclipses Per Century
Every 100 years, Earth experiences approximately 240 solar eclipses and 150 lunar eclipses. However, any given location sees a total solar eclipse only once every 375 years on average. This makes witnessing totality from your hometown an incredibly rare event. The Moon's shadow is only about 270 km wide, so you must be in the right place at the right time.
Total Solar Eclipse Duration
Total solar eclipses can last up to 7 minutes 32 seconds at maximum, though most last 2-4 minutes. The longest eclipse of the 21st century occurred on July 22, 2009, lasting 6 minutes 39 seconds over China. During totality, the Sun's corona becomes visible, temperatures can drop 10-15°C, animals behave as if nighttime, and stars appear in the daytime sky.
Moon's Shadow Speed
During a solar eclipse, the Moon's shadow races across Earth at 1,700 km/h (1,056 mph) at the equator. This is faster than the speed of sound! Early jet pilots attempted to "chase" eclipses to extend viewing time. In 1973, a Concorde jet flew in the shadow's path for 74 minutes, experiencing the longest totality in history. The shadow moves west to east following Earth's rotation.
Perfect Cosmic Coincidence
Solar eclipses are possible because the Sun is 400 times larger than the Moon but also 400 times farther away, making them appear the same size in our sky. This perfect ratio is unique in our solar system and won't last forever. The Moon drifts 3.8 cm away from Earth each year, so in 600 million years, total solar eclipses will no longer be possible.
Ancient Eclipse Predictions
Ancient civilizations tracked eclipses with remarkable accuracy. Babylonian astronomers predicted eclipses using the Saros cycle (18 years, 11 days, 8 hours) discovered around 800 BCE. Chinese astronomers recorded eclipses from 2000 BCE. The ancient Greeks predicted the eclipse of 585 BCE, which stopped a war between the Lydians and Medes. Modern computers now predict eclipses thousands of years into the future.
Bailey's Beads Phenomenon
Just before and after totality, sunlight streams through valleys on the Moon's edge, creating brilliant points of light called Bailey's Beads. The last bead creates the famous "diamond ring effect" - a spectacular sight lasting only seconds. This phenomenon is named after Francis Baily who explained it in 1836. The irregular lunar surface causes this effect, with light filtering through mountains and craters.
Blood Moon Physics
During total lunar eclipses, the Moon turns red instead of disappearing. This "blood moon" occurs because Earth's atmosphere bends (refracts) red wavelengths of sunlight into Earth's shadow, illuminating the Moon. Blue light scatters away (same reason sunsets are red). The exact shade depends on atmospheric conditions - volcanic eruptions can make eclipses darker, while clear air creates brighter red moons.
Saros Cycle Repetition
Eclipses repeat in a 18-year, 11-day, 8-hour cycle called the Saros cycle. After one Saros, the Sun, Earth, and Moon return to nearly the same relative positions. This means if you see an eclipse, a similar one occurs 18 years later, but shifted 120° west (8 hours of Earth rotation). After 3 Saros cycles (54 years), an eclipse occurs at nearly the same location.
Lunar Eclipse Frequency
Lunar eclipses are more common than solar eclipses and visible from half of Earth (entire night side). Most years have 2 lunar eclipses, though some have none and others have 3. Unlike solar eclipses requiring precise location, anyone on the night side sees the same lunar eclipse. They last longer too - up to 107 minutes of totality versus 7.5 minutes for solar.
Corona Temperature Mystery
During total solar eclipses, scientists study the Sun's corona - its outer atmosphere visible only during totality. Mysteriously, the corona is 200 times hotter than the Sun's surface (1-2 million °C vs 5,500°C). This violates the second law of thermodynamics expectation. Scientists still debate the heating mechanism - magnetic reconnection and wave heating are leading theories. Eclipses provide crucial data.
Eclipse Discovery Stories
Eclipses have led to major discoveries. The 1919 solar eclipse confirmed Einstein's General Relativity by showing starlight bending around the Sun. Helium was discovered in the Sun's spectrum during an 1868 eclipse (named after Helios, Greek sun god). The 1878 eclipse helped discover the planet Vulcan (later proven not to exist). Modern eclipses still reveal new coronal structures.
Path of Totality Width
The Moon's shadow creating total solar eclipse is typically only 100-270 km wide, but can be traced thousands of kilometers across Earth's surface. The April 8, 2024 eclipse crossed from Mexico through USA to Canada - 15,000+ km total distance but only 185 km wide. Being just 50 km outside the path means seeing 99% eclipse instead of totality - a vastly different experience.
🗺️ Eclipse Chasing - Planning Your Adventure
Location Scouting
For total solar eclipses, you MUST be in the path of totality. Use precise maps and GPS coordinates. Scout locations months in advance. Consider weather statistics - cloudy eclipse = no eclipse. Have backup locations ready. Remember: 50 km difference = totality vs 99% partial.
Weather Planning
Check historical weather data for eclipse date. Coastal areas often have morning fog. Mountains have variable conditions. Desert locations offer best odds but can be extreme. Have mobile plan to drive to clear skies if needed. Monitor satellite images days before event.
Accommodation & Travel
Book hotels 1-2 years in advance for major eclipses. Hotels within totality path sell out fast. Consider camping as backup. Plan for traffic - millions travel to totality paths. Arrive day early, leave day late. Gas stations run out of fuel. Pack food and water.
Timing is Everything
Know exact timing of C1 (first contact), C2 (totality begins), mid-eclipse, C3 (totality ends), and C4 (eclipse ends). Set multiple alarms. Totality lasts only minutes - every second counts. Practice removing/replacing solar filters quickly. Know when to photograph vs just watch.
Essential Packing List
Eclipse glasses (multiple pairs), camera gear, solar filters, tripod, binoculars, sunscreen, water, snacks, portable chair, red flashlight (preserves night vision), backup batteries, memory cards, eclipse timing chart, compass/GPS, warm layers, emergency supplies.
Share the Experience
Eclipses are better shared. Bring family and friends. Join eclipse chaser groups online. Local astronomy clubs host viewing parties. Children remember eclipses forever. Balance photography with experiencing the moment. Put camera down for 30 seconds during totality - just look up and marvel.
❌ Eclipse Myths Debunked
MYTH: Eclipses are dangerous events
The Sun isn't more dangerous during an eclipse. Looking at the Sun is ALWAYS dangerous. The issue is that people are tempted to look during an eclipse, whereas they normally wouldn't. Use proper eclipse glasses and you're completely safe.
MYTH: Pregnant women should stay indoors
This myth exists in many cultures but has absolutely no scientific basis. Eclipses don't emit special radiation or forces. Pregnant women can safely view eclipses (with proper eye protection for solar eclipses, just like everyone else).
MYTH: You must use special solar eclipse glasses
This is partially true but often misunderstood. You need ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses for solar eclipses. Regular sunglasses block only 10-30% of light - nowhere near enough. For lunar eclipses, you need NO protection at all.
MYTH: Eclipses predict disasters
Ancient people feared eclipses because they didn't understand them. We now know eclipses are simply the Moon's shadow crossing Earth (or Earth's shadow on Moon). They follow precise mathematical cycles and have no influence on earthquakes, wars, or human affairs.
MYTH: Food prepared during eclipse is poisonous
This myth has no scientific basis whatsoever. The Moon blocking sunlight for a few minutes doesn't contaminate food, affect cooking, or cause any changes to anything on Earth. Eat normally during eclipses.
MYTH: You can only see total solar eclipses once per lifetime
While any given location sees totality rarely (once every 375 years average), total solar eclipses happen somewhere on Earth every 18 months. Dedicated eclipse chasers travel worldwide and experience multiple totalities. Some have seen 20+ total eclipses!
How to Use the Eclipse Calculator
1. Enter Your Location
Provide your city or coordinates. Eclipse visibility is highly location-dependent—total solar eclipses have narrow paths, while lunar eclipses are visible from entire hemispheres. Your location determines which eclipses you can see and what type.
2. View Eclipse List
See upcoming solar and lunar eclipses for your location. Each listing shows date, type (total, partial, annular, penumbral), magnitude (how much obscured), and whether it’s visible from your location. Filter by type or date range.
3. Plan Your Observation
Get precise timing for each eclipse phase—first contact, maximum, and last contact. See path maps for solar eclipses and visibility zones for lunar. Plan travel to totality paths or prepare for local partial views.
Why Watch Eclipses?
✨ Ultimate Spectacle
Total solar eclipses are often described as life-changing experiences. The corona, diamond ring effect, stars at midday, and temperature drop create an otherworldly atmosphere. Many eclipse chasers call it the most beautiful thing they’ve ever seen. Find constellations with our Constellation Finder.
🔬 Scientific Value
Eclipses enabled major discoveries—Eddington’s 1919 eclipse confirmed Einstein’s relativity by measuring starlight bending. The corona is only visible during eclipses. Modern eclipses advance solar physics and test theories. Explore relativity with our Time Dilation Calculator.
📷 Photography
Eclipse photography is challenging but rewarding—corona shots, diamond rings, and atmospheric effects create stunning images. Totality allows direct photography; partial phases require solar filters. Plan your shots with our Virtual Telescope Simulator.
🌙 Cosmic Coincidence
Earth is the only known place where the Sun and Moon appear the same angular size (~0.5°), enabling perfect total eclipses. This won’t last—the Moon is receding 3.8 cm/year. In ~600 million years, total eclipses will end. Appreciate this unique era with our Deep Time Visualizer.
Types of Eclipses
Total Solar
Moon completely covers Sun. Corona visible. Day turns to twilight. Path of totality typically 100-200 km wide; lasts up to 7.5 minutes. Requires being in the narrow path—otherwise you see partial. The “holy grail” of eclipses.
Annular Solar
Moon too far (smaller apparent size) to fully cover Sun. Creates “ring of fire” effect. Still spectacular but Sun never fully obscured—no corona, no darkness. Requires solar filters throughout. Occurs when Moon near apogee.
Total Lunar
Earth’s shadow fully covers Moon. “Blood moon” coloring from refracted sunlight. Visible from entire night hemisphere—no travel needed if skies clear. Lasts up to 1h 42m. Safe to watch without eye protection. 2-3 per year on average.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t eclipses happen every month?
The Moon’s orbit is tilted 5.1° to Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Most new moons, the Moon passes above or below the Sun; most full moons, Earth’s shadow misses the Moon. Eclipses only occur when the Moon crosses the “ecliptic” plane during new or full moon—happening during “eclipse seasons” twice per year. This alignment geometry explains why eclipses are special.
Is it safe to look at eclipses?
Looking at the Sun—even during partial eclipse—can cause permanent eye damage within seconds. Use certified eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2) or solar filters during all partial phases. ONLY during totality (total solar eclipse, when the Sun is completely covered) is it safe—and essential—to remove filters to see the corona. Lunar eclipses are always safe to watch.
What is the Saros cycle?
The Saros is an 18-year, 11-day, 8-hour cycle after which Sun, Moon, and Earth return to similar geometry—producing nearly identical eclipses. Each Saros cycle contains ~71 eclipses over 1,300 years. The 8-hour offset shifts each eclipse ~120° west, so similar eclipses recur at different locations. Ancient astronomers discovered this pattern.
How long do total solar eclipses last?
Totality (complete Sun coverage) typically lasts 2-4 minutes; the theoretical maximum is 7m 32s. The entire eclipse event (first to last contact) takes 2-3 hours as the Moon’s shadow crosses your location. Totality is brief because you’re in a ~100 km wide shadow moving at ~1,700 km/h. These precious minutes are why eclipse chasers travel worldwide.
Related Astronomy Tools
- Constellation Finder – Navigate the night sky
- Meteor Shower Predictor – Catch shooting stars
- Virtual Telescope Simulator – Explore celestial objects
- Cosmic Horoscope Calculator – Astronomical birthdays
- Time Dilation Calculator – Relativity effects
- Deep Time Visualizer – Cosmic timescales
Scientific References & Further Reading
- Solar Eclipse – Wikipedia comprehensive guide
- Lunar Eclipse – Wikipedia overview
- NASA Eclipse Website – Official predictions and data
- Saros Cycle – Eclipse prediction patterns
- Time and Date Eclipses – Interactive eclipse finder
- Blood Moon – Lunar eclipse coloring explained
- Sky & Telescope – Eclipse observation guides
- Eclipse Chasers – Community and travel planning