Solar and lunar eclipses
Find the eclipses, their phases and local visibility.
Screenshots show the Ukrainian app interface. The English guide describes the same controls.
What it is and why it matters
The tool finds the eclipses and shows their phases and visibility for the chosen location. It separates a global event from what can be observed in a particular city.
When to use it
- To find the nearest eclipse in the given period.
- To build a chart on its maximum and check local circumstances.
Terms explained
- UT, UTC and time offset
- Universal time provides a common time basis for calculations. The UTC offset converts local clock time to that basis; do not apply it twice.
Where to find it
Table of “Darkness”.
How to use it
- Set a period and turn on solar, lunar or both types of eclipses.
- Check the location for which visibility is determined.
- Select a shadow from the list: Phases, contacts and local circumstances appear below.
- Press “chart at the maximum moment” to open the corresponding chart.
Settings and options
Select an option to learn how it works and when to use it. The label beside its name shows whether it affects calculations, chart appearance or data.
Period: Month / Year / 10 years / CustomCalculation
Time limits where the table or chart is looking for events. Available options depend on the screen.
- What changes
- Earlier/later buttons shift the entire period. Custom enables From and To. A longer period increases the amount of calculation.
- When to use it
- Start with the month for a quick review. To study rare events, expand the range; turn the time zone into the headline.
From / ToData
Beginning and end of the period, in the format of the date interface.
- What changes
- Set search boundaries, not a new date of birth. End should be later than the beginning; wrong boundaries need to be fixed.
- When to use it
- Use it to compare with a particular section of the event journal.
Solar / LunarCalculation
Choose which types of eclipses to find within the selected period.
- What changes
- You can include one or both types. This is a list filter, not a claim of visibility in your city.
- When to use it
- For the monthly cycle, leave the monthly, for a full review, turn on both.
Eclipses / Phases / Visibility / Chart at maximumAction
Selecting a line opens contacts and local visibility, the button builds chart maximum.
- What changes
- The world maximum and local maximum may vary. Saros shows the series and number; “not visible” refers to the chosen location.
- When to use it
- For local research, combine place and local contacts; for natal aspect - the moment and longitude of the event.
The result
The result will include the type of eclipse, maximum, phase, Saros and local visibility.
Worked example
This is a teaching example; results for your chart may differ.
- Situation
- The eclipse is on the list, but you don’t know if it’s visible in your city.
- What to do
- Select a location and reveal local circumstances of the event.
- How to read the result
- The global presence of eclipses does not yet mean local visibility; see altitude and local phases.
For professional practice
The combination of list, Saros, contacts and chart switch helps to systematize the study of eclipses.
What to check for a precise comparison
Distinguish between the maximum of total and local eclipse. Astrological interpretation is a separate stage after checking geometry.
Keep in mind
Global maximum and local maximum are separate values. Visibility depends on the location and height of the light.