Eclipses Illustrated: Book 2 - Eclipses and the Orbit of the Moon: A Visual Approach to Understanding Eclipses of the Sun and Moon

Continuing where the first book in the series left off, Book 2 - Eclipses and the Orbit of the Moon provides illustrated explanations of the causes of solar and lunar eclipses. Eclipses are explained in terms of the monthly cycle of the Moon’s orbit. The nightly progression of the phases is how the thin crescent increases to the Full Moon, and back to a crescent again, as can be commonly observed in the evenings and the mornings of every month. The concept of direction is explained, and how the compass points enable us to follow the motions of the Sun, Moon and stars.

The orbit of the Moon is tilted to the plane of the orbit of the Earth. Eclipses can occur only at certain points where the Moon’s orbit crosses that of the Earth, called the nodes. The shadows of the Earth and Moon play a a large role in determining where in the world a given eclipse can be seen. Also, the location of the Moon compared to the Earth's orbit determines why eclipses do not occur every month.

Straightforward explanations are offered to explain the common maps and diagrams used for describing solar and lunar eclipses. Illustrated definitions are given for all the terminology typically shown on these maps and diagrams. The circumstances of solar and lunar eclipses are explained that affect the duration and appearance of eclipses, along with useful information for choosing a suitable viewing location.

In this way, the reader can obtain a sophisticated understanding of eclipses and the factors that produce them. Continue your study of the amazing eclipse phenomenon by reading ECLIPSES Book 2!