ECLIPTIC LIMIT
\ɪklˈɪptɪk lˈɪmɪt], \ɪklˈɪptɪk lˈɪmɪt], \ɪ_k_l_ˈɪ_p_t_ɪ_k l_ˈɪ_m_ɪ_t]\
Sort: Oldest first
-
The angular distance from a node, or the point of intersection of her orbit with the sun's orbit, within which the moon must be at conjunction with the sun for an eclipse to be possible. As these orbits are inclined, it follows that when the new moon is more than a certain distance (17o) from a node, she passes above or below the sun, and there is no solar eclipse visible anywhere on the earth ; and when the full moon is more than a certain distance (11O) from a node, she does not dip into the earth's shadow, and there is no lunar eclipse.
By Henry Percy Smith
