eclips

Eclips, in astronomy, refer to events in which one celestial body is temporarily obscured by another. The two most observed types are solar eclipses, when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and lunar eclipses, when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon. Solar eclipses can be total, partial, annular, or hybrid. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s umbra reaches the Earth, briefly covering the Sun and revealing the solar corona. An annular eclipse happens when the Moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring. A hybrid eclipse shifts between total and annular along its path. Lunar eclipses come in total, partial, and penumbral varieties; a total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth’s umbra and can appear reddish.

Eclips timing is governed by the orbital geometry of the three bodies and the Moon’s orbital nodes. They occur somewhere on Earth roughly twice a year, though total solar eclipses on any given location are rarer. A useful predictive pattern is the Saros cycle, about 18 years long, after which similar eclipses recur with related geometry.

Observing considerations: solar eclipses require eye protection and proper viewing methods; lunar eclipses can be observed with the naked eye or binoculars. Cultural and historical aspects include calendars, omens, and scientific observations that helped refine astronomical tables. Modern predictions rely on precise ephemerides and satellite data to map eclipse paths and timings.