Eclipse

The astronomical phenomenon known as an eclipse consists of a star that ceases to be visible, totally or partially, in a limited period. This is due to the presence of another star between it and its observer. Or the superimposition of a shadow on a celestial body that does not have its own light.

In this way, any celestial body, naturally visible, can undergo an eclipse. However, the phenomenon is more notoriety when it happens with the two main celestial bodies of planet Earth : the Sun and the Moon . 

A total or partial eclipse of the Sun is called a solar eclipse. In turn, when it is the Moon that is partially or completely hidden, we have a lunar eclipse. See, how is it simpler than it looks?

What is solar eclipse? 

It occurs when the moon intercepts sunlight over a certain area of ​​planet Earth. In this area it is possible to visualize the complete process in which the Moon “passes in front” of the Sun. We stop seeing the Sun when it is obscured by the Moon.

There are four types, check it out:

• Total solar eclipse – occurs when the entire solar lighting zone is covered by the moon at a given point of view.
• Partial solar eclipse – occurs when only part of the solar luminosity is hidden by the presence of the moon in a certain point or area.
• Annular or annular eclipse – type of eclipse in which the moon does not fully cover the area of ​​the sun. A “ring” forms around the natural satellite.
• Hybrid eclipse – happens when the eclipse is total at some points with full shadow (umbra) and annular at other points with partial shade (penumbra).

What is lunar eclipse?

It is one in which the Earth’s shadow is projected onto the Moon. Due to the fact that it does not have its own light, the moon ends up being covered by this shadow. Depending on the conditions of the phenomenon, the moon becomes totally or partially invisible.

Check below what are the types of lunar eclipse:

• Total lunar eclipse – the moon is completely dark, it happens when the satellite is fully positioned in an umbra area (formed by the shadow of the planet).
• Penumbral lunar eclipse – the moon is partially dark, in this case the satellite is positioned in a penumbra area formed by the shadow of the planet.
• Partial lunar eclipse – occurs when the moon is partly in the umbra and partly in the penumbra.

Curiosities about eclipses

Check out some curiosities about this astronomical phenomenon below.

Eclipse of March 1, 1504

Christopher Columbus’s ships ran aground in Jamaica in 1503. The Europeans were cared for by the natives while they awaited rescue. However, at a given moment the Indians decided not to feed these “guests” anymore.

Columbus knew there would be an eclipse soon because he had an almanac on board his ship. So just before the eclipse he went to the natives and told them that their god was angry and to show his anger he would hide the moon that night.

On March 1, 1504, the eclipse of Earth’s natural satellite scared the natives who believed in Columbus. They then agreed to feed the Europeans if their god would return the Moon.

Multiplication

For Buddhists, good and bad deeds performed during an eclipse of the Moon are multiplied by a thousand.

Dragon

The ancient Chinese believed that in a lunar eclipse, the Dragon (masculine energy / Sun) tried to devour the Moon (feminine energy).

Fight

According to a South African myth, during an eclipse, the Sun and Moon are fighting. Human beings can only unite and encourage the two celestial bodies to resolve the dispute.

transformation sign

Several South American tribes believe that the Moon controls and regulates life on Earth. So, lunar eclipses would represent a sign of transformation. Navajos understand these occasions as an opportunity to balance the universe and therefore celebrate them with dances and songs.

Blood Moon

Members of the Hupa tribe in northern California believed that the Moon was a male deity with 20 wives and several pets. Most of these “pets” would be pumas and celestial snakes.

So if the Moon didn’t offer enough food for everyone, it was attacked and that made it bleed giving it the red look. The eclipse would come to an end when the Moon’s wives came to her rescue.