Recent and Upcoming Eclipses

 

Lunar Eclipses:

Lunar Eclipses occur when the Earth passes between the moon and the Sun. The Earth casts a visible shadow on the moon for a length of time, and then the shadow recedes. Unlike a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses are seen over large areas of the Earth, and can last for hours.

Here are a few dates that there will be lunar eclipses! Please note that eclipses are not visible on all parts of the Earth, so check the location for the best date to view an eclipse near you.

 

DATE LOCATION TYPE START TIME END TIME EXTENT
9/16/97  Asia, E. Europe, E.Africa, Australia total  12:08 pm   3:25 pm 120% 
7/28/99  Australia, New Zealand, E. Asia, Pacific  partial  5:22 am  7:45 am  40% 
1/20/2000, 1/21/2000  N./S. America, extreme W. Europe, extreme W. Africa  total  10:01 pm  1:26 am  133% 
 7/16/2000 E. Asia, Australia  total   6:57 am 10:54 am  177% 

Because eclipses are at night, or in the early morning, and take place in the opposite direction of the sun, they can be viewed safely without the use of special equipment.

See the timetable for Recent and Upcoming Solar Eclipses

 

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