Cosmic Perspectives from Amid the Stars:
Astronomy Blog

In some parts of the world on August 12, 2026, day will temporarily turn to night as the Moon passes in front of the Sun, blocking its light during a rare solar eclipse. Throughout history, solar eclipses have been viewed with a unique combination of awe and fear. As wonderful a spectacle as they are, equally interesting is the science behind them and the series of coincidences that allow them to exist.

The solar eclipse is the well-known event when the Moon passes between the Earth and Sun, blocking the Sun from view. Less known is the lunar eclipse, where the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, blocking the light of the Sun that usually reflects off the Moon. The morning of March 3, 2026, at around 3:00 am PST, will provide this special show of celestial alignment.