MORE ECLIPSE COVERAGE: What our reporters experienced | Photos across the area
What kinds of eclipses are there?
• A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, thereby obscuring the view of the Sun.
• A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon and its shadow covers the moon.
• A partial solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth but the sun, moon, and Earth are not perfectly lined up.
• A partial lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves between the sun and the full moon, but they are not perfectly aligned. The moon only covers part of the sun.
• An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon is too far away to completely cover the sun, leaving a bright ring of light around it.
Next total or annular eclipses
Next Total Lunar eclipse - March 14, 2025
Next Annular solar eclipse - July 23, 2093
Next Total Solar eclipse - Sept. 14, 2099
Other upcoming eclipse events
Sept. 18, 2024 - Partial Lunar eclipse
March 3, 2026 - Total Lunar eclipse
Aug. 12, 2026 - Partial Solar eclipse
Aug. 28, 2026 - Partial Lunar eclipse
Jan. 12, 2028 - Partial Lunar eclipse
Jan. 26, 2028 - Partial Solar eclipse
About the Author