Skygazers in the Northern Hemisphere are in for a treat this weekend — a partial solar eclipse will be visible in Europe, eastern North America, western Africa, and northern Asia on Saturday.
Whereas in a complete eclipse, this will not hide the sun totally; the moon instead will sit somewhat in front of the sun so that part of the sun appears to have a portion eaten out or as if turning into a luminous crescent.
Where and When to Watch
The eclipse will be most evident in the northeast U.S., eastern Canada, and Greenland, where the sun will be occluded by the largest part of the moon. For those residing in the Americas, the occurrence will start towards sunrise, but for the remainder of western Europe and Africa, it will appear in late morning, and to some in the eastern portion of Europe and northern Asia, it will seem to occur during the afternoon.
To learn precisely when the eclipse will occur in your area, check astronomy websites or eclipse trackers.
What to Expect
“It will feel like a particularly cloudy day,” said Juan Carlos Muñoz-Mateos of the European Southern Observatory. As the moon passes in front of the sun, daylight will dim slightly, and the sun will appear as a crescent in the sky.
But remember: never look directly at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Even during a partial eclipse, the sun can cause serious eye damage. Use eclipse glasses from trusted sources or try safe viewing alternatives like a pinhole projector, a colander, or even the dappled light through tree leaves, which can cast crescent-shaped shadows.
More Eclipses Coming Soon
This eclipse comes just weeks after a total lunar eclipse turned the moon red in mid-March. According to NASA, eclipses happen several times a year, often in pairs.
Another partial solar eclipse and total lunar eclipse are expected in September, with the best views for those in Antarctica and New Zealand.
So if you’re planning to catch the show this weekend, check the weather, find a clear view, and don’t forget your eclipse glasses.
