There is currently another solar eclipse happening.
On Saturday, the moon will cast a shadow on the earth’s surface, creating a partial solar eclipse visible to some in the US, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, and Africa. While not as spectacular as last year’s total solar eclipse in the US, it still offers a chance to pause from daily concerns and observe our position in the solar system.
During a solar eclipse, the moon appears to take a bite out of the sun, but the amount of coverage varies depending on the location. It’s important to note that cloud cover can obstruct visibility.
It’s never safe to view a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection, as the sun’s surface will still be visible during the event.
When is the solar eclipse?
The experience of a partial solar eclipse can differ based on location, with the extent of sun coverage and overall visibility varying. It’s also advisable to check local weather conditions for clear viewing.
NASA has released a schedule of solar eclipse times in various major cities here.
In North America, the eclipse begins early in the morning, with the sun mostly partially covered when it rises.
Where is the path for the solar eclipse?
The upcoming solar eclipse will be visible in the northern hemisphere, spanning both sides of the Atlantic. Unlike a total solar eclipse, it covers a larger area of the sun with fewer defined paths.
Viewers along the northeast coast of the US will witness the most significant coverage of the sun during the eclipse. For instance, individuals in Boston may see 43% of the sun covered at 6:38am, while New York City will experience a 22% coverage. Further south, in Washington, D.C., there will be a minimal 1% coverage at 6:59am.
The most substantial sun coverage will occur further north, with areas like northern Quebec, Nunavut, and parts of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada seeing over 90% of the sun covered by the moon.
Across the Atlantic, residents of Northern and Western Europe, as well as the northwest coast of Africa, will experience the solar eclipse in the late night or early afternoon. In northern Russia, the eclipse will occur in the late afternoon and in some locations close to sunset.
Eclipse duration can vary, with places like Halifax, Nova Scotia experiencing an eclipse lasting over an hour while Buffalo, with just a 2% coverage, will have a shorter duration of seven minutes.
What is a partial solar eclipse?
A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, partially obscuring the sun from view.
Unlike a total solar eclipse where the sun is entirely covered, during a partial eclipse, only a portion of the sun is obscured. This occurs when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are not perfectly aligned. As a result, the sky does not darken enough during a partial eclipse to reveal stars and planets, and animals are unlikely to exhibit strong reactions.
A solar eclipse typically happens in pairs, two weeks apart, representing the time it takes for the moon to travel to the other side of the globe. Recently, stargazers witnessed a red moon during a full lunar eclipse earlier this month.
Do you need solar eclipse glasses to view safely?
Staring at the sun, even for a few seconds, can lead to permanent eye damage as the retina lacks pain receptors. The same risk applies during partial solar eclipses. However, there are ways to protect your eyes while observing the event, such as using proper eye protection like eclipse glasses.
Be cautious of counterfeit solar eclipse glasses and viewers. To ensure safety, refer to a list of trusted suppliers compiled by the American Astronomical Association here.
If you’re unable to find eclipse glasses in time, there are alternative safe viewing methods, such as projecting the eclipse onto the ground using household items like cardboard or a kitchen strainer. The next partial solar eclipse is set to occur on September 21st, primarily visible in Australia, while a total solar eclipse is expected in the summer of 2026.
When will the next solar eclipse take place?
In addition to future solar eclipses, there are upcoming total lunar eclipses scheduled for September and March of next year, offering different celestial viewing experiences.
Source: www.nytimes.com
