Bibliography

Theory and Mathematical Treatment of Luni-Solar Eclipses

Eclipse Maps and their History

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The earliest solar eclipse map, as computed from the Rudolphine Tables for the solar eclipse of 12 August 1654 by Erhard Weigel of Jena. Note that the date mentioned on the map is given in the Julian calendar.

An eclipse map is a geographical map depicting the region from which a specific solar eclipse can be seen. Commonly shown are the central line, the northern and southern limits, lines of equal maximum obscuration and curves delineating where the eclipse begins at sunrise and ends at sunset.

Although it is often claimed that the British astronomer Edmond Halley was the first to publish such maps for the solar eclipses of 3 May 1715 and 22 May 1724, earlier eclipse maps are known for the solar eclipses of 12 August 1654, 11 June 1676, 5 December 1676, 23 September 1699 and 12 May 1706.

A comprehensive website depicting numerous modern and historical eclipse maps is maintained by Michael Zeiler:

Solar Eclipses in the Low Countries (Netherlands, Belgium & Luxemburg)

Since the year 1000 the following total solar eclipses were visible within the current political borders of the Netherlands (excluding the overseas territories): 2 August 1133, 20 March 1140, 14 May 1230, 6 October 1241, 16 July 1330, 16 June 1406, 17 June 1433 and 3 May 1715. In the same interval the following annular solar eclipses were visible: 26 October 1147, 23 June 1191, 5 September 1290, 31 January 1310, 15 April 1409, 12 November 1547, 1 April 1764, 7 September 1820 and 17 April 1912.

The next total solar eclipses visible from the Netherlands until the year 2500 will be those of 7 October 2135, 25 May 2142, 14 June 2151, 14 April 2200 and 22 July 2381. The next annular solar eclipses visible from the Netherlands in the same interval will be those of 23 July 2093, 2 October 2350 and 27 January 2446.

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Dutch pamphlet published in Amsterdam on the solar eclipse of 12 August 1654 (Rijksprentenkabinet, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, RP-P-OB-81.827).

Bibliography (Unsorted Topics)


I am grateful to Bob Garfinkle & Herbert Prinz for corrections and additions.