Eclipces

Еclipces

Why do they occur? 

An eclipse occurs when the moon moves into direct alignment with the sun and the earth. The two most common types of eclipses are the lunar eclipses and the solar eclipses. The more common eclipse is the total lunar eclipse; this is when the full moon passes through the shadow of the earth. In this case the sun and the moon are on two different sides of the earth. If you see a lunar eclipse (they are visible only at night time on certain full moons) you will see the “lunar disk” turn dark. This can stay in this way for an hour or even more. While lunar eclipses are considered gentle, the solar eclipse is a spectacular sight. They occur when the new moon passes between the earth and the sun, the moon blocks the sun creating an Umbra*.  During these brief minutes the day turns dark and around the sun emerges a halo, the corona*

*the umbra is the moons complete shadow

*the corona is the “halo” around the moon, or the sun Behind the moon

What did ancient people used to think the eclipse was?

Nothing there is beyond hope, nothing that can be sworn impossible, nothing wonderful, since Zeus, father of the Olympians, made night from mid-day, hiding the light of the shining Sun, and sore fear came upon men."
Archilocus

The Ancient people’s most common belief of the eclipse was that it was an evil omen that often changed the course of battle. While some believed that it was and snake attached to the sun, this belief comes mostly from the Chinese and Indian People. They often even shot arrows at it. The most believable idea was that the eclipse is harmless and that it is used to calculate time.