It takes years of dedication.

I'm sure that you have heard about those who are skilled in martial arts working toward being awarded a black belt. It is a major accomplishment for any martial artist and represents years of hard work, dedication, and discipline.

And for some "umbraphiles" — those who have spent decades chasing total eclipses of the sun around the world — the upcoming eclipse of April 8 will offer (in my opinion) an opportunity to earn a black belt for eclipse chasing.

Let me explain. And while you're at it, be sure to watch my total solar eclipse lecture below, given to the Rockland Astronomy Club on Feb. 23, 2024.

It is an interesting phenomenon that an eclipse, whether of the sun or the moon, will repeat itself or "return." Yet, to the layperson today, the entire situation regarding eclipse prediction is seemingly a haphazard pattern.

Not so for those who lived more than two millennia ago!

The beginnings of eclipse predictions might have been started by some unknown and long-forgotten Sumerians who set down, in the 23rd century B.C., a clay-tablet record of an eclipse of the moon as an isolated incident. And in 747 B.C., a series of such records was begun in Babylonia that continued for some centuries.

Source:
courtesy of SPACE

by Joe Rao

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