FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

by Fred Espenak

The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about eclipses. If you have a good question to add to this list, please submit it to me at a EclipseWise.

FAQ: Solar Eclipses

  1. What is difference between a solar eclipse and an eclipse of the Sun?
    Answer: Nothing. These two terms mean exactly the same thing. You'll find them used interchangeably here as well as in books, magazines and newspapers.
  2. What is a solar eclipse? How do they occur? What is the difference between a total, partial and annular solar eclipse?
    Answer: These topics are all covered at Mr Eclipse's Solar Eclipses for Beginners.
  3. What precautions are needed to safely watch an eclipse of the Sun?
    Answer: Complete details can be found at Observe Solar Eclipses Safely. You can find information on safe solar filters at: Filters for Viewing and Photographing Solar Eclipses.
  4. What is it like to see a total eclipse of the Sun?
    Answer: There's a good description of seeing a total solar eclipse in The Experience of Totality.
  5. How can I photograph an eclipse of the Sun?
    Answer: With modern digital cameras, it is quite easy to take photos of a solar eclipse. Two sources of information on photographing solar eclipses are How to Photograph a Solar Eclipse (MrEclipse.com) and Nikon's Tips for Photographing Solar Eclipses. You'll also need a solar filter on the lens of your camera: Filters for Viewing and Photographing Solar Eclipses.
  6. Can I shoot video a solar eclipse with my camcorder?
    Answer: Yes you can. MrEclipse.com has complet details at How to Capture a Solar Eclipse on Video. Just remember that you'll need a safe solar filter on the lens of your camcorder: Filters for Viewing and Photographing Solar Eclipses.

FAQ: Lunar Eclipses

  1. What is difference between a lunar eclipse and an eclipse of the Moon?
    Answer: Nothing. These two terms mean exactly the same thing. You'll find them used interchangeably here as well as in books, magazines and newspapers.
  2. What is a lunar eclipse? How do they occur? What is the difference between a total, partial and penumbral lunar eclipse?
    Answer: These topics are all covered at Mr Eclipse's Lunar Eclipses for Beginners.
  3. What precautions are needed to safely watch an eclipse of the Moon?
    Answer: None! It is completely safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye, although binoculars will give a better view.
  4. How can you photograph an eclipse of the Moon?
    Answer: With modern digital cameras, it is quite easy to take photos of a lunar eclipse. Two sources of information on photographing lunar eclipses are How to Photograph a Lunar Eclipse (MrEclipse.com) and Nikon's Tips for Photographing Lunar Eclipses.

Do you have an eclipse question that isn't on this list? Please submit it to me at a EclipseWise.