Eclipse simulation

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a computer model that can simulate and render an accurate visualisation of a lunar eclipse.

The model uses celestial geometry of the sun, Earth, and moon, along with data for the Earth's atmosphere and the moon's peculiar optical properties to create the images of lunar eclipses.

The computer-generated images, which are virtually indistinguishable from actual photos of eclipses, offer a chance to look back into history at famous eclipses, or peek at future eclipses scheduled to occur in the coming years and decades.

The model can also be configured to show how the eclipse would appear from any geographical perspective on Earth –  the same eclipse would look different depending on whether the viewer was in New York, Seattle, or Rome.

Barbara Cutler, assistant professor of computer science at Rensselaer, said: 'Other researchers have rendered the night sky, the moon, and sunsets, but this is the first time anyone has rendered lunar eclipses. Our models may help with investigations into historical atmospheric phenomena.'