How about enjoying a partial solar eclipse along with your morning coffee? Space enthusiasts in the northeastern U.S. and Canada will have the opportunity to witness this rare event on Saturday. It is recommended by experts to have proper eye protection for safe viewing. Here’s a guide on how to observe the partial solar eclipse on March 29th:
When is the partial solar eclipse?
The partial solar eclipse is set to be visible in the United States early Saturday morning, starting around 4:50 a.m. EDT and concluding just before 8:43 a.m., as per Time and Date website. The viewing times will vary depending on the location within the U.S. This follows the recent total lunar eclipse, which was visible across the country and North America.
What to expect during a partial solar eclipse and the ‘double sunrise’ phenomenon?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth during its orbit. Some viewers on Saturday may witness a striking ‘double sunrise’ effect, where the rising sun appears to have two horns. This phenomenon will be observable in certain areas of Maine, as well as in parts of Canada, specifically in the New Brunswick province and Quebec.
Which cities can witness the partial solar eclipse?
NASA has provided a schedule for viewing the solar eclipse in selected cities across the U.S., happening before sunrise. Below are the specified times corresponding to when the sun rises in some cities:
– Baltimore, Maryland: 6:55 a.m. to 7:02 a.m.
– Boston, Massachusetts: 6:31 a.m. to 7:07 a.m.
– Buffalo, New York: 7:02 a.m. to 7:09 a.m.
– New York City: 6:44 a.m to 7:04 a.m.
– Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 6:49 a.m. to 7:03 a.m.
– Portland, Maine: 6:27 a.m. to 7:10 a.m.
– Washington D.C.: 6:56 a.m to 7:01 a.m.
Safety precautions for viewing the partial solar eclipse
Experts emphasize the importance of wearing proper eye protection, such as safety glasses, or taking necessary precautions to safeguard your eyes during the partial solar eclipse. It is crucial not to look directly at the sun through any optical device, even with eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer. The American Astronomical Society provides a list of approved vendors for solar eclipse glasses, which are specifically designed to meet international safety standards.
