On August 11, 1999, a total solar eclipse will cut a path across Europe and Asia. Thanks to the miracle of the Internet, the rest of us can enjoy it via live Webcast. Tune into the following sites for more details on how to safely watch an eclipse (NEVER
"Eclipses appear often in the mythology and literature of different cultures and different ages, most often as symbols of obliteration, fear, and the overthrow of the natural order of things.
"Sometimes during their orbits, the moon and the Earth form a line with the Sun.
Meet Dan McGlaun: "I am a total, complete eclipse junkie.
"The last flash of light from the surface of the Sun as it disappears from view behind the Moon gives the appearance of a diamond ring and is called, appropriately, the diamond ring effect.
"The gentle beauty of a lunar eclipse pales in comparison with the truly awesome spectacle of a total solar eclipse, which occurs when the new Moon passes directly between the Sun and the Earth.
[Editors Note: There is a total lunar eclipse on October 27, 2004. Although this column refers to an earlier eclipse, the recommended sites are still good.]
Want to know exactly when the total lunar eclipse is coming to your town? Simply enter your location and select the January 21 eclipse from the drop-down list of recent and upcoming lunar events.
"Photographing an eclipse of the Moon is fun and easy.
Although the Lunar Prospector mission is now complete (it ended on July 30, 1999 with a controlled crash into the Moon), this site has an excellent animation explaining lunar phases and eclipses.
"Just 20 days into this millennial year, a spectacular total eclipse of the Moon will occur over the Americas and Western Europe.
"An eclipse of the Moon can only take place at Full Moon, and only if the Moon passes through some portion of the Earth's shadow.
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