Kampala, Uganda: Ugandans and all people across the world already witnessed a partial lunar eclipse on Sunday, September 7, and are now preparing for a solar eclipse expected on September 21. Astronomers explain that both rare celestial events are happening in the same month because of the way the Sun, Earth, and Moon align within one lunar cycle.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon. This can only happen during a full moon, and on Sunday night, Ugandans saw the Earth’s shadow partly cover the lunar surface.
By contrast, a solar eclipse takes place when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking sunlight in some parts of the world. This only happens during a new moon.
Scientists say the timing is not a coincidence. Once a lunar eclipse happens at full moon, the cycle of the Moon’s orbit means a solar eclipse often follows roughly two weeks later at new moon. This September, the alignment has worked out perfectly for both phenomena to occur.
While solar eclipses are rarer to witness from the same location because the Moon’s shadow covers only a narrow path on Earth, lunar eclipses are visible to nearly half the planet. Experts add that Ugandans are fortunate to experience this double astronomical spectacle within such a short span of time.
How and where to watch solar eclipse
Astronomers caution that, unlike a lunar eclipse, which is safe to watch with the naked eye, a solar eclipse should never be observed directly without proper protection. Looking at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses can cause permanent eye damage.
Ugandans planning to watch the September 21 solar eclipse are advised to use certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers, not to look directly at the Sun with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes without proper filters, and or use the pinhole projection method to indirectly view the eclipse safely.
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