NASA SDO: Earth Eclipsing the Sun

The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has eclipse seasons twice a year near each equinox. For three weeks, the SDO orbit has the Earth pass between SDO and the Sun.

These eclipses can last up to 72 minutes in the middle of an eclipse season.

The current eclipse season started on September 11 and lasts until October 4.

CREDIT: NASA/SDO

One year in the life of the Moon!

Eclipse of the Moon - Blue Moon

The eclipsed moon, illustrated for Dec. 31, 2009, rides high above the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy. Credit: Starry Night Software

Eclipses of the moon occur twice a year, on average. Each eclipse is visible only on the half of the Earth turned towards the moon at the time the Earth's shadow falls on the moon.

There was a partial eclipse of the moon on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31. Because of its timing, it was not visible in North and South America, but was visible over most of Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The event has also marked the second full moon of the month in North America, thereby garnering the title of "blue moon." Unless unusual atmospheric circumstances come into play — such as widespread dust from a volcano — the moon will not be blue, however.

Since it is a partial eclipse, the moon has just brushed past the darkest part of the Earth's shadow, never becoming totally immersed. It was, however, deep enough into the shadow that shading and reddish color was visible.

Solar Eclipse: Moon's Shadow seen from NASA's Earth Observatory

This image, released by NASA's Earth Observatory, reveals a dark spot on our planet, covering Taiwan and surrounding areas, during the total solar eclipse on July 22, 2009.

Credit:
NASA/WebGMSñMTSAT/GMS (HIMAWARI) Website, Institute of Industrial Science

The Longest Eclipse since July 1991

The longest solar eclipse this century has crossed Asia, plunging much of India and China into darkness. Millions gathered to watch the event, which began at dawn.

One of the best views was in the town of Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges in India.

Thousands of Hindus took a dip in keeping with the ancient belief that bathing in the river at Varanasi, especially on special occasions, cleanses your sins.

The eclipse then moved north and east from India to Nepal, Burma, Bangladesh, Bhutan and China.

At its peak, the eclipse lasted six minutes and 39 seconds. It was the longest such eclipse since July 11, 1991, when a total eclipse lasting six minutes, 53 seconds was visible from Hawaii to South America. There will not be a longer eclipse until 2132.