Epic eclipses in human history

When Earth's shadow shrouds the moon, or the moon blots out the sun, the skies become dramatic shows. Human civilization has been punctuated by many notable eclipses. Here's a collection of some the most memorable astronomical events.

Darkness above

Created by the orbital journeys of the Earth and the moon around the center point of the sun, eclipses are astounding spectacles. When the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, our planet’s only natural satellite dims in a dusky lunar eclipse. When the moon passes precisely between the sun and the Earth, darkness seems to spread over the flaring face of our local star in a solar eclipse. For millennia, these occasions were met with wonder, awe and often dread. Even in our modern age, eclipses are thrilling.