This weekend, the moon will slide between the sun and Earth, creating a captivating partial solar eclipse. This event will be visible in parts of Europe, western Africa, eastern North America, and northern Asia. For many viewers, the northeastern United States, Greenland, and eastern Canada will experience the most dramatic view as the sun looks like it’s being nibbled from the side.

During a partial eclipse, the moon doesn’t completely cover the sun, giving it a crescent shape. While it may not be as stunning as a total solar eclipse, it’s still essential to protect your eyes at all times. “Eclipses just show us the dance of light and shadow between the sun, moon, and Earth,” says Auriane Egal, an expert from the Planetarium in Montréal.
Interestingly, eclipses occur four to seven times a year, as reported by NASA. The moon’s tilted orbit often leads to pairs of eclipses, like the total lunar eclipse that turned the moon red back in March.
To catch this weekend’s spectacle, check local astronomy websites for the exact times. In the Americas, it will occur during sunrise, while in western Europe and Africa, it’s set for late morning, and afternoon in eastern Europe and northern Asia.
Juan Carlos Muñoz-Mateos from the European Southern Observatory notes that during the eclipse, it might feel like a cloudy day due to the sun’s dimming effect. For the best experience, find a spot with clear skies, away from tall buildings and city lights. Having eclipse glasses ready is vital. You can grab them from local science museums or order them from sellers approved by the American Astronomical Society.
If you want to enjoy the eclipse creatively, consider making a pinhole projector at home with simple materials. You can also use a colander to project the sun’s image, or peek at the ground under a leafy tree to spot crescent-shaped shadows filtering through the branches.
Looking ahead, another total lunar eclipse will take place, alongside a partial solar eclipse in September. The best views will be in Antarctica and New Zealand.
Eclipses not only offer a breathtaking sight, but they also remind us of the intricate dance of celestial bodies above us. So, make sure to look up this weekend—it’ll be a moment worth experiencing.
For more information on solar eclipses, visit NASA’s website.
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Source linkEclipses, Greenland, Astronomy, Juan Carlos Muoz-Mateos, Europe, Solar eclipses, Science, Africa, North America