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This year, on August 21, 2017, many Americans will have a chance to experience a total solar eclipse. Total solar eclipses were rarely documented before the 10th century of the Common Era. But, I wonder, are there any rabbinic sefarim that describe a first-hand account of a solar eclipse? Who and when were these accounts? Also, was there any halachic analysis added to the discription of the experience, e.g. a discussion of the Halacha of witnessing the molad?

This year, on August 21, 2017, many Americans will have a chance to experience a total solar eclipse. Total solar eclipses were rarely documented before the 10th century of the Common Era.

But, I wonder, are there any rabbinic sefarim that describe a first-hand account of a solar eclipse? Who and when were these accounts?

Also, was there any halachic analysis added to the description of the experience, e.g. a discussion of the Halacha of witnessing the molad?

This year, on August 21, 2017, many Americans will have a chance to experience a total solar eclipse. If so, do they discuss the eclipse with regard to calculation of the molad (the moon's switch-over (aka "lunar conjunction") from 4th phase to 1st phase)?

This year, on August 21, 2017, many Americans will have a chance to experience a total solar eclipse. Total solar eclipses were rarely documented before the 10th century of the Common Era. But, I wonder, are there any rabbinic sefarim that describe a first-hand account of a solar eclipse? Who and when were these accounts? Also, was there any halachic analysis added to the discription of the experience, e.g. a discussion of the Halacha of witnessing the molad?