ECLIPSE – SOLAR☀️ & LUNAR🌑

An eclipse refers to the astronomical event during which one celestial body passes through the shadow of another, resulting in a temporary decrease in brightness or a complete obscuring of the eclipsed object. The most common types of eclipses observed from Earth are solar eclipses and lunar eclipses.
Understanding the Earth, Moon, and Sun’s orbits and motions is a prerequisite to understanding the occurrence of eclipses. Earth orbits the Sun, and the Moon rotates around Earth. Eclipses happen when the three bodies align to throw shadows on one another in particular configurations.

Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, then it blocks all or part of the Sun’s light \rays. This can cause a partial or complete obscuration of the Sun as seen from Earth. This happens during a new moon phase. Each year, we can see up to five solar eclipses.

There are three main types of solar eclipses. They can be categorized as:

1. Partial: When the moon does not entirely align with the sun, only a portion of the sunlight is blocked from reaching the earth.
2. Annular: When the moon obscures the sun, yet the sun may be seen around the moon’s borders, giving the impression that the sun is a bright ring encircling the moon’s black disc. This creates a ring-like appearance, known as the “ring of fire”.
3. Total: When the moon totally obscures the sun. The sky darkens to the point where it looks to be darkness. Only a small portion of the planet may witness it.

Lunar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse, also known as the eclipse of the moon, it occurs when the earth comes in between the sun and the moon. As a result, the earth blocks the light of the sun from reaching the moon’s surface and casts its shadow on the moon. It occurs on a full moon day. We can observe up to 3 lunar eclipses per year.

There are three main types of lunar eclipses. They can be categorized as:

1. Total Lunar Eclipse: The Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon during a total lunar eclipse, causing the Moon to enter Earth’s shadow. Because of the Earth’s atmosphere refracting sunlight, the Moon takes on a reddish colour. This enthralling phenomena has gained the moniker “blood moon,” adding to the rich tapestry of celestial legend.
2. Partial Lunar Eclipse: The Moon only partially enters the Earth’s shadow during a partial lunar eclipse, which causes a partial darkening of the Moon’s surface.
3. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: A penumbral lunar eclipse is the mildest kind of lunar eclipse; it happens when the Moon moves through the Earth’s penumbral shadow, producing a gentle shading instead of the striking colour shifts that occur during total lunar eclipses.

Tips for Observation

A. Solar Eclipse Safety:

Observing a solar eclipse requires precautions to protect one’s eyes. Specialized solar viewing glasses or indirect viewing methods, such as pinhole projectors, ensure safe enjoyment of this celestial event.
Today, technology, including solar telescopes and space-based observatories, allows scientists to study solar eclipses in unprecedented detail.

B. Lunar Eclipse Enjoyment: It is safe to observe lunar eclipse with the naked\unaided eye, making them available to individuals, everything being equal. Finding a dull area away from city lights upgrades the review insight.

Cultural Significance

1. Mythology and Folklore: Eclipses have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of human mythology. Myths from various cultures often attribute eclipses to supernatural beings or cosmic conflicts.
2. Cultural Practices: Some cultures perform rituals during eclipses to ward off perceived negative influences. In Hindu tradition, it is common to take a ritual bath after an eclipse.
3. Modern Cultural Impact: In the contemporary era, eclipses continue to capture the public’s imagination. Events such as the Great American Eclipse of 2017 drew millions of people to witness the celestial spectacle, fostering a sense of shared wonder and unity.

Conclusion

Eclipses, with their awe-inspiring beauty and scientific significance, remind us of the dynamic interplay between the Earth, Moon, and Sun. From ancient myths to cutting-edge space exploration, eclipses continue to captivate humanity’s imagination and drive scientific discovery. As we gaze skyward during these celestial ballets, we are not only witnessing a cosmic spectacle but also connecting with the profound mysteries of the universe. The study and enjoyment of eclipses stand as a testament to the insatiable curiosity that propels us to explore the wonders of our celestial neighborhood.