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The Story of Eclipses

by George F. CHAMBERS (1841 - 1915)

Eclipses of the Moon - General Principles

Solar eclipses have both frightened and fascinated humankind for thousands of years. At first believed to be caused by angry gods punishing the people on Earth, we now know that a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and fully or partially covers the Sun. Ever since scientists were able to predict the next solar eclipse, people - at least the less superstitious ones - wanted to go there and see it for themselves. This book, published in 1899, was written for potential spectators of the total eclipse of the Sun on May 28, 1900. It deals with the science behind solar eclipses and their prediction, and lists a number of known historic eclipses from antiquity to the 19th century. Also included are eclipses mentioned in books, strange customs surrounding the eclipses, and how best to watch one. (Summary by Ava)

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Listen next episodes of The Story of Eclipses:
Appendix: The Total Eclipse of the Sun of May 28, 1900 , Brief Hints To Observers Of Eclipses Of the Sun , Catalogues of Eclipses: And Their Calculation , Eclipses in Shakespeare and the Poets , Eclipses of the Moon Mentioned in History , Strange Eclipse Customs , Transits and Occultations