On Saturday, March 29, a partial solar eclipse will grace the skies, offering a spectacle to millions across the Northern Hemisphere. The celestial event, often referred to as the "devil's horns" eclipse, occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, partially covering the solar disk and creating a crescent-like effect at sunrise.
The phenomenon will create the illusion of the Moon taking a bite out of the Sun for observers in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. According to The Economic Times, the partial solar eclipse will be visible across Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
In New York, the eclipse will be visible from 6:35 a.m. to 7:12 a.m., reports The Economic Times. Residents in Massachusetts can witness the event from 6:27 a.m. to 7:08 a.m., while those in Maine will see it from 6:13 a.m. to 7:17 a.m. The degree of coverage during the eclipse will vary by location; observers in Canada can expect up to 94% of the Sun to be covered, while in the US, coverage will reach up to 85% at its peak.
Europeans will also have the opportunity to observe the astronomical event. Diario de Sevilla reports that the eclipse will be visible from all provinces of Andalusia, Spain, with visibility varying according to geographical location. In Seville, the eclipse will begin at 10:40 a.m., reach its maximum at 11:31 a.m. with a magnitude of 0.31—meaning approximately 31% of the Sun will be obscured—and conclude at 12:24 p.m.
The partial solar eclipse occurs when the three celestial bodies are not perfectly aligned, leaving a portion of the Sun visible. As a result, the Sun takes on a crescent shape, creating a display of light and shadow in the sky. During the event, the Moon will cover only a segment of the Sun, allowing some sunlight to pass through.
Safety is paramount when viewing a solar eclipse. Seconds of looking at the Sun without proper protection are enough to damage the retina, potentially leading to "eclipse blindness." The Economic Times emphasizes that standard sunglasses are not sufficient to shield the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays during an eclipse. It is strongly recommended not to look directly at the Sun without appropriate protection.
To observe the eclipse safely, viewers should use certified eclipse glasses that meet the ISO standard 12312-2. These glasses must bear the ISO icon and the reference number 12312-2 to ensure they offer adequate protection against harmful rays. The American Astronomical Society and NASA have certified specific manufacturers to guarantee the safety of these glasses.
For those without access to eclipse glasses, indirect viewing methods provide safe alternatives. The Sun can be observed safely by projecting its image onto a screen placed in the shade or using a pinhole camera on a white surface. These methods prevent direct eye exposure to the Sun's rays while still allowing the eclipse to be witnessed.
Additionally, many observatories and planetariums will offer opportunities for public viewing.
For those in areas where the eclipse will not be visible, technology provides a way to participate in the event. NASA and other astronomical platforms will offer live broadcasts through their websites and social media channels.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.