What is an Eclipse?

You see them in films or books: someone gazes up at the sky, captivated by the moon momentarily swallowing the sun into an opaque black disk. Eclipses are arguably one of the most beautiful natural experiences the universe provides us. But if you've never seen one, you may wonder what an eclipse actually is.
A brief scientific explanation
An eclipse occurs when one celestial body moves into the shadow of another. Earth can experience two types of eclipses: solar and lunar. Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun's light. Lunar eclipses occur when Earth passes between the sun and the moon, blocking the sun's light from reaching the moon.
The beauty in darkness
We all recognise what the sun and moon look like individually, but seeing the two merge in a total eclipse is an otherworldly experience.

On the rare occasions we see a total solar eclipse, the stars and planets become visible day, birds stop singing, and the temperature drops. It's an almost ethereal experience, like the transition from day to night and back again in a matter of minutes.

Photographers and eclipse chasers make painstaking journeys across the globe to witness the next total solar eclipse. In fact, there are even bespoke holidays for eclipse watchers!

When can you see an eclipse?
Solar eclipses are relatively rare, with only two to five occurring each year. You can find out when the next eclipse will be visible in your area by checking online resources. Observing a solar eclipse safely requires special glasses and other precautions, which you can research through the same resources.

Lunar eclipses, on the other hand, are more frequent, with two to four occurring annually.

Eclipses in history and culture
Eclipses have fascinated and frightened us for centuries. In ancient times, many cultures believed eclipses were omens of bad luck; today, we have a wealth of scientific knowledge at our fingertips, yet even today a total eclipse remains a slightly spooky phenomenon.

The next time you have the chance to witness an eclipse, don't miss it! Whether you see a solar eclipse or a lunar eclipse, it's an experience you'll never forget.