Posts by 

Fred Espenak

What to look for in a total solar eclipse

The August 21 total eclipse will last several hours. There will be many interesting things to look for. Bookmark this handy checklist of must-see events and effects, from eclipse gurus Fred Espenak and Mark Littmann.

The story behind the 2017 eclipse stamp

A 1st-of-its-kind stamp that changes when you touch it, commemorating the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse. Fred Espenak - whose photos are on the new stamp - tells the story.

Eclipse day checklist

This checklist - from eclipse master Fred Espenak - will help you plan the perfect total solar eclipse experience! Do your homework and the only other thing you’ll need is perfect weather on August 21!

Total eclipse of sun: August 21, 2017

All you need to know about the 1st total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. since 1979, from eclipse master Fred Espenak.

What’s it like to see a total solar eclipse?

Words often fail when trying to explain the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, feelings and emotions that consume us during this other-worldly event.

Moon in 2017

Everything you want to know about the moon in 2017 - including phases, cycles, eclipses and supermoons - from world-renowned astronomer Fred Espenak.

Astronomical events in 2016

A month by month listing of major moon phases, conjunctions, oppositions, meteor showers and other important dates, from astronomer Fred Espenak.

Total solar eclipses in the USA

If you miss the total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 - first such eclipse in contiguous U.S. since 1979 - you'll have to wait until 2024 to see the next one.

March 20 eclipse and the Saros

There are currently 40 different Saros series in progress, each with its own assigned number. The total solar eclipse of March 20, 2015 belongs to Saros 120.