Today marks the day when a solar eclipse will darken the skies in the northeastern US and Canada in the early hours of Saturday. Unlike the total eclipse of the «Great American Eclipse» in 2024, this event will be a partial eclipse visible in parts of the northern hemisphere.
While this partial eclipse may lack the dramatic «totality» of the 2024 event, it is still worth witnessing. With proper eye protection, viewers will be able to see the moon take a bite out of the sun. This eclipse will occur at sunrise in North America, providing viewers with the opportunity to see the famed “devil horns” – a crescent of solar light emerging from behind the moon.
The partial solar eclipse will be visible in areas of the northern hemisphere, with it being visible at sunrise in eastern North America and sunset in Siberia, Russia on Saturday, March 29. In Europe, it can be viewed around mid-morning. The event’s footprint will be limited, with no eclipse visible west of Toronto, Canada, and Washington, DC in North America.
The duration of the eclipse will vary depending on the location, with the eclipse beginning at 4:50 am ET and ending at 8:43 am ET globally. However, the entire partial eclipse will not be almost four hours long in any given location due to the extreme edges of the event.
It’s important to note that eye protection is crucial when viewing the sun, even during a partial eclipse. Solar viewers conforming to the ISO 12312-2:2015(E) international safety standard are recommended, and it’s essential to ensure they are undamaged before use.
During this eclipse, viewers may witness the unique phenomenon of the “devil horns” at sunrise, depending on their location. Additionally, with the sun currently at or near solar maximum, there may be sunspots visible on the surface of the sun during the eclipse.
It’s advisable not to point a telescope or camera at the sun without a solar filter to avoid damage to the equipment. Solar filters can be purchased at camera stores or online, or an extra pair of solar viewers can be used as a makeshift filter.
In conclusion, the partial solar eclipse on March 29 presents a unique opportunity to witness a celestial event, albeit not a total eclipse. By following safety guidelines and being prepared with proper eye protection, viewers can enjoy this natural phenomenon.
FUENTE