Today's Image

The moon’s shadow on Earth yesterday

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December 15, 2020

The whole globe of Earth, with a dark blot in the Pacific west of South America. — The dark blot on Earth in the lower left of this image is the moon’s shadow, falling on Earth at the start of the December 14, 2020 total solar eclipse, visible from South America. Image via GOES-East satellite/ Fred Espenak.

“Here comes the moon’s shadow!” wrote veteran eclipse-chaser Fred Espenak, when he posted this image yesterday on Facebook. There was much disappointment this year among North American eclipse-chasers who’d planned all year to see the December 14, 2020, total solar eclipse, but had to cancel due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

There will be more eclipses, including a total solar eclipse whose path will cross North America in 2024. Fred Espenak has compiled an extensive roadmap for the 2024 eclipse.

Bottom line: Photo from GOES-East of the moon’s shadow on Earth during the December 14, 2020, total solar eclipse.

EarthSky’s lunar calendar shows the moon phase for every day in 2021. Order yours before they’re gone! Makes a great gift.

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December 15, 2020

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Today's Image

Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.