Wikipedia defines an eclipse as an astronomical event that occurs when an astronomical object (such as the sun or moon) is temporarily obscured, either by passing into the shadow of another body or by having another body pass between it and the viewer. This year, 2012, we are lucky to have four distinct types of eclipses happening all of which will happen over populated areas of the world and can be viewed depending on where you live. below we’ll discuss the four eclipses, the time and dates that they’ll be happening, and how to view them if you are fortunate enough to live in a area when they can be seen.
May 20- Annular Solar
An annular solar eclipse is an eclipse in which the moon and the sun perfectly align but because the moon appears smaller in the sky a bright ring forms around its silhouette. on May 20, 2012 an annular solar eclipse will be visible over the northern Pacific ocean and western United States. At the same time a partial eclipse will be viewable over much of Asia and North America.
The safest and recommended way to view a solar eclipse of any kind is with certified solar filters like eclipse viewing glasses and smoked glass. Looking at the sun for any amount of time with your bare eyes or even through sun glasses can permanently damage your vision The safest way to view an eclipse is through indirect projection. This can be achieved by projecting an image of the sun onto a white piece of paper using binoculars, a pinhole camera or binoculars with one eyepiece covered. Check out your local library, science shop, or online for instructions and ideas on making your own projector.
June 4- Partial Lunar
A lunar eclipse is when the earth lines up perfectly, on the night of a full moon, to block the sun from the moon. This results in a periodic, noticeable darkening of the moon. on June 4th, over parts of Europe, East Asia, and Africa the moon will be at a partial eclipse.
No special glasses or viewing equipment is necessary for viewing a lunar eclipse as the hazard is no more or less than simply looking at the moon.
November 13- Total Solar
On November 13th starting on just about the most northern tip of Australia there will be a total solar eclipse. During a total solar eclipse the moon completely covers the intensely bright sun creating a beautiful halo of light known as a corona. Although only those in the northern-most tip of Australia will see the total eclipse, the entirety of Australia and new Zealand will be treated to a partial solar eclipse.
Safely viewing a total solar eclipse and the partial eclipse of the surrounding areas requires you take the same precautions previously mentioned about the annular eclipse.
November 28- Penumbral Lunar
A penumbral eclipse occurs when the earth, moon, and sun line up just right that the moon does not lie in the direct shadow of the earth but an outer shadow. The resulting is a subtle darkening of a full moon. on November 28 a penumbral eclipse will be visible over parts of South America, the Atlantic and West Africa.
Enjoy these eclipses and keep looking to the sky
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