We’ve circled back around to eclipse season! Unfortunately, those in the United States will not be able to see the partial solar eclipse on Oct. 25; however, we will have a prime view of the corresponding total lunar eclipse on the evening of Nov. 7. Eclipses don’t happen every new or full moon because the moon’s orbital plane is inclined relative to the Earth’s around the sun. Thus, the moon’s path and sun’s path across our sky (also called the ecliptic) intersect only at two points, known as the lunar nodes, which are diametrically opposed. What makes an eclipse partial versus total is its proximity to these nodes. Eclipses occur when the sun is within approximately 18 degrees of the nodes. The closer the sun is to them, the more complete the eclipse’s totality will be. A solar eclipse is when the sun and moon simultaneously cross the same node, while a lunar eclipse is when they cross opposing nodes. Because the moon travels so quickly through the zodiac relative to the sun, eclipses come in pairs, as the sun remains close enough to the one node for the moon to meet it there and then oppose it (or vice versa). The lunar eclipse will begin at midnight on the evening of Nov. 7, reach its maximum at 3 a.m., and end shortly before 6 a.m. on Nov. 8. You’ll want a clear view of the southern to western sky to enjoy the full show!