
These are popular astronomical events, so they are generally well publicized. Scientists predict solar eclipses based on orbital cycles. When and Where to Photograph the Solar Eclipse There are a few considerations you’ll need to take into account to get the best photos of a solar eclipse. Photo by Jenn Mishra How to Take Photos of a Solar Eclipse
Total Solar Eclipse – The Moon passes in front of the Sun completely obscuring it from view.ĭiamond Ring captured during the August 17, 2017, total eclipse. Totality – Point where Moon entirely obscures the Sun during a total eclipse. Partial Solar Eclipse – The Moon passes in front of the Sun, but does not fully cover it.
It is named because the effect looks like a piece of jewellery in profile.
Diamond Ring – This is the last flash of light just before totality. Corona – The outer layers of the Sun’s atmosphere. Baily’s Beads – Beads of light appear that on the Moon’s surface just before totality. Annular Solar Eclipse – This is like a total eclipse except the Moon isn’t large enough to completely cover the Sun. Here are a few terms that might help you plan and photograph this rare celestial event. If you haven’t taken an astronomy class recently, you may not be familiar with words associated with solar eclipses. This is where the moon only partially covers the Sun. If the alignment is less than perfect, we see a partial eclipse. No wonder people in ancient times saw a solar eclipse as a bad sign.Ī total solar eclipse is possible because the apparent size of the Moon in the sky is almost the same as the Sun. If this celestial alignment is perfect, and if you are in the right location, the Moon will totally cover the Sun.
Graphic showing the relative position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun during a solar eclipse.
Eclipses depend on the relative location of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. How to Take Photos of a Solar Eclipse: What is a Solar Eclipse?Ī solar eclipse is when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun at least partially.