Babylonian clay tablet recording eclipses

Celestial News & Events

How Did the Ancients Predict Eclipses? The Saros Cycle

Before the advent of computers or even a working theory of the solar system, the ancients predicted solar eclipses. How did they do it?

Annular eclipse sequence

Celestial Objects to Observe

How to Observe the October 14th Annular Solar Eclipse

If you'll be in the path of the October 14, 2023, annular eclipse, here's what you can look for as the Moon covers the face of the Sun.

Baily's beads

Celestial News & Events

The History of Baily’s Brilliant Beads

Discover the observations of astronomer Francis Baily as he watched sunlight bead along the lunar limb during an 1836 annular eclipse.

Diagram of Moon-Earth orbit

Celestial Objects to Observe

How Rare Is a Solar Eclipse?

There are two solar eclipses every year — so why are they so rare?

Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques

Eclipse Photographer’s Checklist

For those preparing to photograph a total solar eclipse, Fred Espenak shares his eclipse photography checklist.

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