Introduction

For the purpose of this chapter, the term ‘medieval’ will be loosely interpreted to mean the period between the close of the classical age in Europe (c. AD 500) and the beginning of the telescopic era. It thus includes the Renaissance. Numerous observations of both solar and lunar eclipses were recorded in Europe during this period, especially after AD 1000. In most cases, the date is accurately reported and the precise place of observation is known. However, with only a few exceptions, times were only crudely estimated to the nearest hour or so. Thus most observations may effectively be regarded as untimed.

As discussed in chapter 3, untimed lunar eclipses are of negligible value for the determination of ΔT (unless it is clearly implied that the Moon rose or set eclipsed). Most of this chapter will be devoted to the investigation of solar obscurations in which the Sun was either totally or very largely covered. In section 11.9, a few careful timings of solar eclipses from the early fourteenth century will also be analysed. Finally, in section 11.10, an eighth century report of an occultation of the planet Jupiter by the eclipsed Moon – a very rare event – will be discussed.

Historical sources

European reports of solar eclipses (as well as lunar obscurations) from the Middle Ages and Renaissance are mainly found in historical works, notably chronicles; only a few observations are reported in astronomical treatises.