Night Sky Platform
Eclipses
Solar and lunar eclipses explained — the types, the geometry, and how to watch them safely. Specific eclipse dates and paths are prepared for published NASA predictions; none are fabricated.
Night SkyReference data
Solar eclipses
A solar eclipse happens at New Moon, when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. Solar eclipses in detail →
- Total Solar Eclipse
- The Moon completely covers the Sun's disc along a narrow path of totality, revealing the corona. Only safe to view with the naked eye during the brief total phase.
- Annular Solar Eclipse
- The Moon is near apogee and too small to cover the Sun, leaving a bright 'ring of fire'. Never safe to view without a solar filter.
- Partial Solar Eclipse
- The Moon covers only part of the Sun. Requires certified solar filters throughout.
- Hybrid Solar Eclipse
- A rare eclipse that shifts between annular and total along its path.
Lunar eclipses
A lunar eclipse happens at Full Moon, when the Moon passes through Earth's shadow. Lunar eclipses in detail →
- Total Lunar Eclipse
- The Moon passes fully into Earth's umbral shadow and often turns coppery red (a 'blood Moon'). Completely safe to watch with the naked eye.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse
- Only part of the Moon enters Earth's umbra, leaving a dark bite on the lunar disc.
- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
- The Moon passes through Earth's faint outer shadow, producing only a subtle shading.
Related in the Knowledge Graph
Sources & references
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.