solar eclipse – Astronomy Now

Observe a partial eclipse of the Sun

18 October 2022 Mark Armstrong

This month’s partial eclipse of the Sun is visible across the length and breadth of the UK on the morning of 25th October 2022.

Why do eclipses happen?

9 June 2021 Keith Cooper

Solar eclipses are relatively rare; they happen when the Moon moves directly and precisely in front of the Sun. Why are they so infrequent, and why do solar eclipses always come in pairs with lunar eclipses?

Moon’s-eye view of total solar eclipse

30 August 2017 Astronomy Now

During the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera captured an image of the Moon’s shadow over a large region of the United States, centered just north of Nashville, Tennessee.

Pioneering ESA mission aims to create artificial solar eclipses

20 August 2017 Stephen Clark

As skywatchers and scientists converge on a transcontinental band of totality for Monday’s solar eclipse in the United States, engineers in Europe are building a unique pair of satellites to create artificial eclipses lasting for hours — a feat that that could be a boon for solar physicists but will escape the view of Earth-bound spectators.

Team to use airborne telescopes to study Sun and Mercury during total solar eclipse

25 July 2017 Astronomy Now

A team led by the Southwest Research Institute will use airborne telescopes aboard NASA research aircraft to study the solar corona and Mercury’s surface during this summer’s total solar eclipse.

When can I next see a solar eclipse from the British Isles?

21 March 2015 Ade Ashford

Did you know that there can be up to five solar eclipses in a year, or that there can be three eclipses (solar and lunar) in a single month? For those still on an eclipse-induced high, here’s your fact-filled guide to forthcoming eclipses visible from the British Isles.

Clouds fail to spoil the eclipse party

20 March 2015 Keith Cooper

While clouds did their best to obscure the solar eclipse, many observers have still been able to witness the Moon moving in front of the Sun.

Eclipse safety tips video

19 March 2015 Astronomy Now

Astronomy Now’s Greg Smye-Rumsby offers tips on how to safely view the partial solar eclipse of 20 March 2015.

Your minute-by-minute solar eclipse timeline for the British Isles

18 March 2015 Ade Ashford

If you wish to see in detail how the eclipse will appear from where you live and the exact times that the key stages will occur, we’ve prepared this specially illustrated minute-by-minute timeline to how Friday’s big event will roll out over the British Isles.

Eclipse dos and don’ts

18 March 2015 Astronomy Now

How not to observe a solar eclipse! Do not risk permanent damage to your eyesight by using unsafe methods. Make sure the solar eclipse is not the last thing you see!