Eclipses
There are two kinds of eclipse Solar and Lunar. Usually there are two of each over the year.
Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse happens at a Full Moon. The Earth is between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon’s surface. This is only visible to us if the exact time of the full Moon occurs during the night in our time zone. The culmination of tension and agitation at this time is very powerful.
There are three kinds of lunar eclipses: total, partial and penumbral.
Total Lunar Eclipse
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon moves through the centre of the Earth’s shadow. At mid-eclipse, the entire Moon is in shadow, which may make the Moon appear blood red.
Partial Lunar Eclipse
During a partial lunar eclipse, the Earth moves between the Sun and Moon but they do not form a perfectly straight line. A small part of the Moon’s surface is covered by the darkest, central part of the Earth’s shadow – the umbra.
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
During a penumbral lunar eclipse, the diffuse outer shadow of Earth falls on the Moon’s face. This kind of lunar eclipse is very subtle and much more difficult to observe than the total or partial eclipse. It is the least spectacular eclipse to view. At best, at the peak of the eclipse, you will notice a dark shading on the Moon’s face.
Lunar Eclipses in 2024
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse 25th March 07:13
The eclipse begins at 04:53 when the Moon will begin to move into Earth’s penumbra. At 07:13, the eclipse will reach maximum. However, as the Moon sets at 06:01 in London, this will not be visible.
Partial Lunar Eclipse 18th September 03:43
Beginning at 01:41, maximum eclipse will be reached at 03:43. By 05:47 the eclipse will be over.
Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs at a new Moon. The Moon sits between the Earth and the Sun blotting out the Sun’s light. This is only visible to us if the exact time of the new Moon is during the day in your time zone and your location is in the path of the eclipse.
There are three kinds of solar eclipse: total, partial and annular.
Total Solar Eclipse
During a total solar eclipse, the Sun, Moon and Earth are in a direct line. It is only visible from a small area on Earth, the line of totality is in the centre of the Moon’s shadow when it hits Earth. The sky goes dark for a short period of time.
Partial Solar Eclipse
During a partial solar eclipse, the Sun, Moon and Earth are not exactly aligned. A dark shadow will appear on a small part of the Sun’s surface.
Annular Solar Eclipse
During an annular solar eclipse, the Moon is farther away so it appears smaller. It does not block the entire view of the Sun creating a ring of sunlight around the Moon.
Never look directly at the Sun as this can permanently damage your eyes! You must use proper safety equipment to look at any type of solar eclipse.
Solar Eclipses in 2024
Total Solar Eclipse 8th April 19:17
Not visible in UK.
Annular Solar Eclipse 2nd October
19:45 Not visible in UK.