Lunar Eclipse

Solar and Lunar Eclipses are some of the most impressive astronomical events the ordinary person can observe without extensive equipment. Solar Eclipses only need Solar filters for binoculars or telescopes, and Solar glasses or even just a simple pinhole projector to safely view. Lunar Eclipses can be viewed by anyone on the night side of the Earth when one occurs, but binoculars or a telescope can make the view much nicer.

Eclipses always come in pairs, two weeks apart, and sometimes we get three. The “Eclipse Season” lasts about 35 days twice a year. The Moon’s orbit is 29.5 days which allows it to align perfectly twice, once at New Moon and once at Full Moon. At other times of the year, the Moon is out of alignment due to the 5 degree difference in the Lunar and Solar orbital planes and Eclipses cannot occur.

   Eclipse Blog
Call for All Eclipse Observation Reports, Images
8/18/2024

Everyone is asked – even at this late date – to submit their images, sketches, drawings and written reports of any observed eclipses — solar, lunar, annular, total or partial — as soon as possible after the event to the ALPO Eclipse Section Acting Coordinator John O'Neal for use in his report to the ALPO membership in an upcoming Journal of the ALPO.

In order to make his report as scientifically valid as possible, please include as much observational data as possible including:

  • Your name and exact observing location
  • Exact date and time of the observation/image exposure
  • Exposure timing details
  • Estimate of the lunar or solar altitude above your horizon and azimuth (direction)
  • Brand and model of the equipment (telescope, mount, eyepiece, camera, mobile phone camera brand and model)
  • General weather conditions (ambient temperature, sky conditions, etc.)
  • Your own commentary about what you observed


Please send all material to John O'Neal - thank you!

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