Solar eclipse Timeline of Events

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Solar eclipse

As seen from the Earth, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, and the Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun as viewed from a location on Earth. This can happen only during a new moon, when the Sun and the Moon are in conjunction as seen from Earth. At least two, and up to five, solar eclipses occur each year; no more than two can be total eclipses...

Timeline of Events

781BC

6.4.781 BC

The first historic solar eclipse is recorded in China.

763BC

6.15.763 BC

Assyrians record a solar eclipse that is later used to fix the chronology of Mesopotamian history.

585BC

5.28.585 BC

A solar eclipse occurs, as predicted by Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling Cyaxares in the Battle of the Eclipse, leading to a truce. This is one of the cardinal dates from which other dates can be calculated.

1831

8.13.1831

Nat Turner sees a solar eclipse, which he believes is a sign from God. Eight days later he and 70 other slaves kill approximately 55 whites in Southampton County, Virginia.

1919

5.29.1919

Einstein's theory of general relativity is tested (later confirmed) by Arthur Eddington's observation of a total solar eclipse in Principe and by Andrew Crommelin in Sobral, Ceará, Brazil.

1999

8.11.1999

A total Solar eclipse (Solar eclipse of August 11, 1999)