0 results
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?

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.

Cloud cover along the path of totality will be lesser toward the south

Eclipses

El Niño and the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

What will the ongoing El Niño event do to the chance of cloud cover along the 2024 total solar eclipse track?

Diagram of Moon-Earth orbit

Eclipses

How Rare Is a Solar Eclipse?

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

Celestial Objects to Observe

Eclipse Apps, Books, Videos: Resources for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

Find some of our favorite resources for the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse, including apps, video explainers, children's activities, and books.

North America map showing 2023 and 2024 solar eclipse paths as well as locations of National Parks

People, Places, and Events

Where to See the Two Great North American Eclipses

The October 2023 and April 2024 solar eclipses will thrill millions of North Americans. These maps will enlighten and inspire viewers for the events to come.

Celestial Objects to Observe

Eclipse Photographer’s Checklist

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

Total Solar Eclipse Madras, Oregon

Celestial News & Events

The "Great American" Solar Eclipse Is Just a Year Away

A long totality passing through Mexico, the U.S., and Canada beckons — and planning ahead will be crucial.

Solar eclipse series

Eclipses

What to Look For & When During a Total Solar Eclipse

Look for these astronomical and Earthbound phenomena during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

diagram not to scale

solar eclipse 2024

The Hows & Whys of Solar Eclipses

Take a few minutes to become an eclipse expert for family and friends.

Halpha sun with prominences

Eclipses

How to Watch a Solar Eclipse Safely

Our star is an amazing object to observe, whether by eye or with optical aid. These time-tested tips will let you see the solar disk worry-free.

Celestial News & Events

Eclipse Photography: Framing the Eclipse

Here are several ideas photographers can use when shooting their next total solar eclipse.

Total solar eclipse 2019 in Chile

Celestial News & Events

Two Years to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse!

It’s never too early to start getting excited — and begin planning — for an event as spectacular as a total solar eclipse.

partial solar eclipse

Celestial Objects to Observe

How to Photograph a Solar Eclipse

Learn how to photograph a solar eclipse: capturing a solar eclipse on film, plus learn how to do wide-angle sequencing.

Solar eclipses 2023 and 2024

Event

Solar Eclipse Planning Workshop, April 8-9, 2022, Virtually Anywhere

Help us get ready for the 2023 and 2024 North American solar eclipses! If you’re a solar eclipse enthusiast with an organizational bent, you'll want to join us at a virtual planning workshop to be held on April 8–9, 2022.

Total solar eclipse 2019 in Chile

Celestial News & Events

T–3 Years Until the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

The countdown has begun to a special total solar eclipse that will cross Mexico, the U.S. and Canada on April 8, 2024.

Total solar eclipse 2019 in Chile

People, Places, and Events

Join Us in Planning for the Next "Great American Eclipse"

Are you a solar eclipse enthusiast with an organizational bent? An upcoming virtual workshop geared toward planning for the 2023 and 2024 events could be just the thing for you.

Celestial News & Events

Solar Eclipse Activities for Kids and Families

Enrich the eclipse experience — especially the long, partial phases — with solar eclipse activities for the young and young at heart.

DIY: Astronomy Projects & Guidance

A Compact, Lightweight Solar Projection Viewer

Learn how to make a travel-friendly solar projection viewer for your telescope for the next total solar eclipse!

Eclipses

Low-Tech Eclipse Viewing

What to do if you're caught without optics on eclipse day. Low-tech eclipse viewing options from pinhole to binocular projection.