Science Bulletin May/June 2014 Debate Issue | Page 13

Astronomers are greatly disappointed when, having traveled halfway around the world to see an eclipse, clouds prevent a sight of it; and yet a sense of relief accompanies the disappointment. -Simon Newcomb

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/simonnewco363500.html#sSuMvY8HOKhhBH2X.99

eclipses are prime opportunities for you to personally see one. They are also opportunities for you to introduce an eclipse to someone else. While many lunar eclipses are upcoming, a few solar eclipses are also around the corner.

Solar Realm

Lunar eclipses are amazing to

shows how it will look with the protected eye.

Eclipses occur everywhere in the Universe. From the moons of Jupiter to the venus transit, each is important in it’s own way. Astronomers used the eclipses of Jupiter’s moons to come up with a rough estimate for the speed of light. The transit of Venus can be used as a test for identifying

view, but total solar eclipses are almost life changing. Astronomers throughout the world travel to see total solar eclipses. Last month one occurred in Antarctica: a little too far for astronomers, so many flocked to Australia where it was a partial eclipse. On October 23rd, a partial solar eclipse will occur throughout North America. While this is only a partial eclipse, with solar glasses it is quite astonishing. Above a picture can be seen that

exoplanets in far away Solar Systems. Eclipsing binary stars gave scientists a chance to measure the mass of stars. Eclipsing planets on other stars show us the com-position of their atmospheres. Eclipses change our knowledge of the Solar System and beyond with each shadow they cast.

Lunar eclipses are amazing to view, but total solar eclipses are almost life changing. Astronomers throughout the world travel to see total solar eclipses. Image Credit: Grant Regen

For questions, comments, submissions, or suggestions email us at [email protected]