An eclipse occurs when one celestial body moves into the shadow of another, temporarily obscuring it, as viewed from a particular vantage point. The most commonly observed types are solar and lunar eclipses. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun’s light from reaching the Earth. This can only occur during a new moon. A lunar eclipse, on the other hand, occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon and can only happen during a full moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon. Eclipses have been observed and recorded by different cultures throughout history and have provided important insights into the workings of our solar system. They also continue to be of great interest both to the general public and the scientific community for their beauty and the unique conditions they create.
NASA citizen scientists collected thousands of photographs and temperature readings that are being used to study the relationship between total solar eclipses and clouds. For…
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter captured a striking image of the Earth during the April 8 solar eclipse from its position 223,000 miles away, showcasing the…
Astronauts and photographers captured unforgettable views of Earth and the Sun as the Moon’s shadow swept across North America. A total solar eclipse passed over…
ESA’s Proba-2 satellite observed two partial solar eclipses, enhancing our understanding of the Sun’s atmosphere. ESA’s Proba-2 captured two partial solar eclipses on April 8,…
As the shadow of the moon traced its silent, awe-inspiring path across North America on April 8, 2024, countless eyes turned skyward to witness the…
A total solar eclipse darkened parts of North America on April 8, with GOES-16 capturing the event, offering insights into atmospheric effects. A total solar…
Satellites gathered striking views of the Moon’s shadow from above as observers on the ground were awed by the Sun’s corona. On April 8, 2024,…
The April 8, 2024, solar eclipse will be a prime event for scientific study, especially from NASA’s WB-57 jets, which will provide enhanced views and…
Ancient Maya astronomers, known for their celestial observations and accurate calendars, documented their astronomical knowledge in codices, predicting eclipses and aligning monumental structures with celestial…
Through citizen science, individuals globally can engage with NASA’s research on the Sun and its effects, participating in activities ranging from simple observations to complex…
Brian Mernoff of MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics offers best practices to get the most out of your eclipse experience. On Monday, April 8,…
A unique study during the total solar eclipse will analyze behavioral responses of selected animals, exploring evolutionary influences on their reaction to abrupt light changes….
It’s not a forecast, but this map of historical cloud cover will tell you how often skies on April 8 have been cloudy in the…
A solar eclipse will sweep across North America on April 8, 2024, creating a spectacular celestial event where the Sun, Moon, and Earth align perfectly….
April’s solar eclipse has stolen the headlines for many months now, and rightfully so with millions of Americans in the path of totality. But did…
Use ISO-compliant solar viewing glasses to watch a solar eclipse safely, avoiding direct sun viewing through optical devices, and protect skin with sunscreen and clothing….
The NASA-funded Eclipse Soundscapes Project aims to study the effects of total solar eclipses on ecosystems by collecting public observations and audio data on April…
Anticipation builds for the April 8 total solar eclipse, promising a broader path, longer totality, and increased solar activity, alongside expanded scientific research efforts. On…