A total lunar eclipse. The reddish hues are caused by sunlight scattered and refracted by the atmosphere into the Earth's otherwise dark central shadow region.

Eclipses have been occurring for billions of years - even before there were humans on Earth to see them.

Eclipses - particularly total solar eclipses - are so spectacular that most people who see them are deeply affected by the experience. If there's an eclipse forecast and it's going to be visible where you live, or you can get to a good place to see it, make sure you don't miss it. You'll remember witnessing it for the rest of your life.

Solar and lunar eclipses aren't common, yet astronomers can predict them to an incredibly accurate degree. However, despite our understanding of the mechanisms that drive their occurrence and our ability to calculate their phases to the second, we are powerless to stop them or influence their progress in any way.

But what we can do is watch: through careful scientific observation of eclipses, we've learned a lot about the Earth, Moon, Sun, the Solar System and even the universe, whilst enjoying a stunning heavenly extravaganza that money just can't buy.