Eclipses have fascinated humans since the earliest recorded eclipse in 2134BC somewhere in ancient China. They have triggered sacrifices, fear and even celebrations yet today people greet eclipses with the same wonderment of the past, but equipped with the knowledge of how they happen.
Where previous ancestors would build stone circles and pray the sky would not fall in, people today can book cruises (eg. the P&O Canberra trip 'voyage to darkness' in 1973) to view and enjoy the celestial chess game at their leisure.
Children benefit from watching solar eclipses as it teaches them the basics of astronomy, such as moon phases, with an attention grabbing finale of the actual event.
Parents do need to be careful to ensure that their children (and themselves!) are properly protected during an eclipse viewing, as eye doctors warn that even though the sun’s power may decrease during an eclipse the intensity and possibility of being blinded still remains. It is recommended to purchases special ultra-violet blocking glasses, or make your own by using sections of old 35mm photograph.
For a family viewing it is best to contact your local observatory where they ought to arrange a projection from their main telescope, or ought to have telescopes prepared with the appropriate filters – plus if you have any questions they are sure to know the answers!
Where previous ancestors would build stone circles and pray the sky would not fall in, people today can book cruises (eg. the P&O Canberra trip 'voyage to darkness' in 1973) to view and enjoy the celestial chess game at their leisure.
Children benefit from watching solar eclipses as it teaches them the basics of astronomy, such as moon phases, with an attention grabbing finale of the actual event.
Parents do need to be careful to ensure that their children (and themselves!) are properly protected during an eclipse viewing, as eye doctors warn that even though the sun’s power may decrease during an eclipse the intensity and possibility of being blinded still remains. It is recommended to purchases special ultra-violet blocking glasses, or make your own by using sections of old 35mm photograph.
For a family viewing it is best to contact your local observatory where they ought to arrange a projection from their main telescope, or ought to have telescopes prepared with the appropriate filters – plus if you have any questions they are sure to know the answers!