What is a solar eclipse? Lunar and solar eclipses: when and why occur

Since ancient times, lunar and solar eclipses have been considered a sign from above. Some people were afraid of such a phenomenon and were waiting for the end of the world, while others were sure that something positive would happen soon. What is a solar eclipse, astrologers began to study long ago. It was found that this is the most ordinary natural phenomenon, which occurs not so rarely.

What is it?

What is a solar eclipse, today every elementary school student knows. The Earth moves around the Sun, and the Moon moves around our planet. The full or partial overlapping of the solar disk by the moon is called an eclipse. The Earth, the Moon and the Sun become one line. It is worth noting that the eclipse can occur only in the new moon. That is, when the moon can not be seen from the Earth at all.

A complete eclipse can not be seen always. The overlap of the solar disk depends on whether the Earth's satellite moves in a certain time interval . Most often you can see a partial eclipse. People who are busy with their own affairs and do not pay attention to the sun, can generally skip a natural phenomenon. Visually, a partial eclipse is similar to twilight. In the daytime, it can become only slightly darker. It may seem that soon it will rain.

Astrologers have long been able to calculate how many solar eclipses a year occur on average. This phenomenon is not so rare and repeats 5-6 times. Most often, the sun is covered by the moon no more than 70%. In this case, a natural phenomenon can not be observed from all points on the globe. In addition, the eclipse may not last very long. Complete overlap of the solar disk can last no more than 10 minutes.

And what is a lunar eclipse?

A beautiful natural phenomenon can be observed not only in the daytime. At night, everyone can see from time to time a lunar eclipse. It represents the overlapping of the lunar disk by the shadow of the Earth. Most often, a total eclipse can be observed in that part of the planet where the Moon at the time of the natural phenomenon is above the horizon. During the eclipse, the Earth's satellite does not completely disappear. Observers can see the outlines of the moon, painted in a bright orange color. This is due to the fact that even at the time of the eclipse, the Moon continues to beat the sun's rays with even greater intensity.

Lunar eclipses happen much less frequently than solar eclipses. Observe this phenomenon can not be more than two times a year. Complete overlap of the Earth satellite disk happens rarely. Lunar eclipse people do not attach great importance. Most often this natural phenomenon remains without attention. In fact, everything that happens in nature affects the health and behavior of a person. Therefore, hypersensitive people should better prepare themselves for such a phenomenon as a lunar eclipse.

Types of lunar and solar eclipses

Identical eclipses are repeated quite rarely. Depending on which part of the heavenly body is covered with a shadow, distinguish between partial and total eclipses. With a total solar eclipse, twilight occurs only at a certain point of the globe. At this time, happy observers can see only the outline of the solar disk. This phenomenon is considered quite rare and unique. Much more often there is an incomplete solar eclipse, when the moon covers only a small piece of the solar disk. Such a natural phenomenon can not be called unique. It is worth noting that the same eclipse can be complete and partial for observers from different corners of the planet.

Lunar eclipses are also complete and partial. If the satellite completely falls into the shadow of the Earth, it is not lost from the field of view. The outlines of the moon can still be observed. At the same time, the nocturnal celestial body acquires a bright shade. The sun's rays continue to illuminate the moon. Partial eclipse is the overlapping of the heavenly body only on one side. This phenomenon is very similar to the new moon. In most cases, people do not even suspect that there is an eclipse in the night sky.

The effect of solar eclipse on man

Any natural phenomena affect the general state of the human body. Hypersensitive people are particularly affected. Feel the deterioration of their well-being, they can still a few days before the onset of the eclipse. People aged can feel headache, general weakness, exacerbated chronic diseases. Many people have to limit their activity and take more care of their health. Hypersensitive people should specify in advance when the next solar eclipse will occur. On the day of the celestial phenomenon, it is generally desirable to stay at home. It is also not advisable to go out into the street to fully healthy people.

Pregnant women are sensitive not only to sunny, but also to lunar eclipses. Doctors advise not to be under the open rays of the heavenly body during the natural phenomenon. This is fraught with not only poor health, but also pathologies of fetal development. When the two luminaries are at the same point, their energy has a strong effect on the person. At best, a young woman in the situation will feel a severe headache, and at worst - premature birth may begin. Meanwhile, people since ancient times have noticed that children born at the time of the solar or lunar eclipse, have strong health and achieve success in life.

The influence of a solar eclipse on a person is also considered by psychologists. It is believed that during such natural phenomena, the mind and emotional sphere of people are too vulnerable. During eclipses, complex tasks should not be solved. And people who suffer from mental disabilities can not be left unattended. It is in the lunar or solar eclipses that suicides occur most often.

How to properly observe a solar eclipse?

A unique natural phenomenon though has a negative impact on human health, but it can not be left without attention. A solar eclipse is really very beautiful. But to observe him without harm to health, you must follow certain rules. In no event should one look at the heavenly body without protective devices. Many do not know how to observe a solar eclipse correctly and use a telescope or binoculars for this purpose. With the help of these devices, one can only see the celestial body at a closer distance. But first of all you need to take care of eye safety.

You can not look at the eclipse also through sunglasses or smoky glass. These things do not protect against direct rays to the full. With a long examination of the heavenly body, one can get a retinal burn. How to observe a solar eclipse correctly? In order to see a unique celestial phenomenon without harm to health, it is necessary to use special solar filters. You can buy them in specialized stores of photo and video equipment. Without a protective device, one can observe only a complete overlap of the heavenly body. The effect of a solar eclipse on the eyes at this moment is minimal. But to determine visually, there is a complete overlap of the solar disk or only partial, can only be a real professional.

You can use solar filters alone or with binoculars. The second option is more preferable for those who want to see all the details of the eclipse. Those who want to capture the moment in a photo or video, also you must not forget about the filters.

The influence of eclipses on nature

Few people know that celestial phenomena affect not only human health, but also in nature. A few weeks or days before the onset of the eclipse, the weather can change dramatically. Often in the warm May, frosts begin, and in winter unexpectedly warm days come. But such changes in nature are absolutely harmless. But an eclipse can provoke more dangerous changes in nature. These include tsunamis and hurricanes. It has long been noted that during the lunar and solar eclipses, the activity of the World Ocean increases several times. When there is a next solar eclipse, every ship captain should know. This is the only way to avoid tragedy. Long trips by sea are not recommended on the day when a natural phenomenon is to occur.

The most dangerous changes in nature take place where you can observe a full lunar or solar eclipse. Scientists around the world are studying an unusual natural phenomenon. Already today we managed to find out what a solar eclipse is and when it will happen next time. The chart of celestial phenomena is painted for decades ahead. Thanks to the zealous work of astrologers, many natural disasters can be avoided and protected from tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes.

Solar eclipse of 1999

One of the most striking solar eclipses occurred on August 11, 1999. A complete overlap of the celestial disk could be observed by almost all the inhabitants of Europe. Most of all lucky observers in Bucharest. Such a natural phenomenon in the XX century could be seen for the first time. Total eclipse did not last long. For a unique phenomenon, people could observe no more than three minutes.

Observers could see the solar eclipse in Moscow only partially. The solar disk was only blocked by 70%. Despite this, there are quite a few who want to see the unique celestial phenomenon. And this is not accidental. After all, the national television channels began to tell about the solar eclipse in a few weeks. Do not lag behind and entrepreneurs. On sale there were special disposable glasses, with which you could look at the sun without harm to vision.

Solar eclipse time was limited. However, everyone was able to see how the moon covers the solar disk. This action was truly unique. Some artists even described the natural phenomenon in their works. For example, Elena Voinarovskaya wrote a whole poem, which was called "Sun, do not disappear." Eclipse is also described in the first part of the famous work "Day Watch."

A unique eclipse of the XXI century

The young generation already knows perfectly well what a solar eclipse is. But as this phenomenon occurs, many schoolchildren have not been able to see before. The situation was corrected in March 2015. On this day, a natural phenomenon occurred, which will be remembered for a long time by many. On March 20, residents of the CIS countries were able to see a solar eclipse. Astrologers note that the most difficult period was from March 16 to April 8. The effect of the solar eclipse on man at this time was the strongest. People with chronic diseases have experienced an exacerbation of ailments. But there was also a positive side. Eclipse is the time of the release of a huge amount of energy. Those who used it wisely managed to make successful deals and make the necessary acquaintances.

Total inhabitants of the planet could observe the eclipse in the Arctic and in the North Atlantic Ocean. On the territory of Russia, the process could best be considered in the city of Murmansk. The solar eclipse in Moscow began around 13 o'clock in the afternoon. It was only partially possible to observe it. Many residents of the metropolis did not even pay attention to the fact that the Sun hid behind the Moon. To see the eclipse was possible only with the help of special devices.

When will the eclipse be observed the next time?

Scientists have long studied the nature of various celestial phenomena. When and where will the solar eclipse next time? You can find out about this right now. During the entire 21st century, 224 solar eclipses should occur. Only 68 of them will be complete. But much more attention deserves ring-shaped eclipses. This was the solar eclipse of 1999. The next, which will be able to observe the inhabitants of Europe and the CIS countries, will occur on February 26, 2017. In the same year on August 21, there will be a total eclipse, the duration of which will be only 2 minutes and 40 seconds.

What should I remember?

Those who want to witness a unique natural phenomenon, it is worthwhile to prepare in advance. Solar eclipse time is limited. Therefore, it is necessary to know in advance the exact hours of its onset. About a complete or partial eclipse can always be heard in the news or learn on astrological sites. Information is reported several weeks before the onset of the natural phenomenon.

Eclipse can have an impact on health. In the first place, the eyes suffer. Do not look at the sky without special protective devices. March 20, a solar eclipse could be considered only by those who had protective filters. You can buy them today without any problems in a specialized store.