This weekend, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from the U.S., with only certain northern states expected to witness this cosmic spectacle. Early on Saturday morning, the moon will pass in front of the sun, creating a shadow that will be visible across the Atlantic Ocean, as reported by NASA. Due to the slight misalignment of the moon, sun, and Earth, observers will witness a partial eclipse where the sun appears as a crescent or as if a portion has been taken out.
The eclipse’s shadow will move from west to east, contrary to the normal movement of the Sun and the sky. The direction of the eclipse’s shadow is determined by the moon’s orbital motion, which is in the same direction as Earth’s but at twice the speed. During solar eclipse events, sunspots may be visible.
Residents of Europe, western Africa, eastern Canada, and the Northeast U.S. will have the opportunity to see a partial eclipse. The best views will likely be in the Northeast states such as Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York, as well as regions north of the U.S., including northeastern Canada and Greenland.
For those in the U.S., the viewing window will begin between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. ET, with the best visibility expected in northern regions. Safe solar viewing glasses are recommended for anyone planning to watch the eclipse to protect their eyes.
Following this weekend’s event, the next partial solar eclipse visible from the U.S. will occur in January 2028, while a total solar eclipse is set to be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Russia in August 2026.
Newby mentioned that cases of injured corneas are a concern. A photo taken on April 8, 2024, shows a solar eclipse over North Hatley Lake, Quebec, Canada. UV radiation, from natural sunlight or indoor artificial sources, can harm the eye’s cornea and lens. The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that viewing the sun directly can lead to permanent vision damage, while using unsafe magnifiers can cause instant blindness.
