Partial Solar Eclipse to Appear in Thursday Night's Sky

Written By Sherri Lonon (Patch Staff)

A partial eclipse of the sun is expected to appear on Thursday, Oct. 23. If the rain in the forecast holds off and the skies aren’t too cloudy, stargazers may be able to see the partial eclipse.

While it’s only a partial eclipse, NASA says this one should be of particular interest “because the event is widely visible from Canada and the USA.”

The eclipse will begin to be noticeable around 5 p.m. on the east coast as the moon crosses in between the earth and the sun. The event should be visible to almost everyone in North America, except for those in northern New England and Canada’s Maritime provinces, CBS News reports. The eclipse will end on the east coast as the sun sets.

For other viewing times, check out NASA’s projected timetable.

Watching the eclipse safely, however, is easier said than done. CBS warns that special glasses equipped with solar filters or No. 13 or No. 14 arc-welder’s glasses are recommended.

Pinhole cameras can also work and NASA even offers step-by-step instructions on how to make them. NASA also spells out the dangers of looking directly at an eclipse in this article while offering advice for taking in the sight safely.

Photo Credit: NASA website T. Ruen

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