adapted from Eclipses Sources: The National Park System, NASA Eclipses are profound events for those who witness them. For thousands of years, people have observed and interpreted these phenomena. For some, solar eclipses were terrifying events. For others, a lunar eclipse could signify a time of healing. For plants and animals, the darkening of the sun may signal that it is time to prepare for night. However, you interpret an eclipse, it is something to remember. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the sun and the moon, blocking the sunlight that is normally reflected by the moon. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is directly between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth. Looking directly at the sun is unsafe except during the brief total phase of a solar eclipse (totality), when the moon entirely blocks the sun’s bright face, which will happen only within the narrow path of totality. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as those found in eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. Passage 2 A solar eclipse is one of nature’s grandest spectacles. By following these simple rules, you can safely enjoy the view and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime. Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device. Similarly, do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your solar eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury. Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device. If you are within the path of totality, remove your solar filter only when the moon completely covers the sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the brig