The Sun's Partial Cover-Up: What You Need to Know

A rare celestial event is set to occur on March 29. A partial solar eclipse will be visible in the skies over eastern North America and Europe. This event happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, blocking part of the sun's light. It will create a striking visual effect, making it seem like the moon has taken a bite out of the sun. The eclipse will start at 4:50 a. m. EDT (0850 GMT) and reach its peak at 6:47 a. m. EDT (1047 GMT). However, the exact timing and visibility will vary based on where you are. For those in eastern North America, the eclipse will happen around sunrise. In Europe, it will occur mid-morning. This variation is due to the Earth's rotation and the moon's orbit. It's a good reminder of how our planet's movement affects what we see in the sky. In some places, the eclipse will be more dramatic. In extreme eastern Canada and the northeastern U. S. , a crescent-shaped sun will rise. This will create a unique sight, with what looks like two solar "horns" briefly appearing as the sun comes up. This effect is caused by the moon covering most of the sun's disk, leaving only a small, crescent-shaped portion visible. Safety is crucial when viewing a solar eclipse. It is never safe to look directly at the sun during a partial solar eclipse without proper protection. Special solar eclipse glasses or filters for telescopes and binoculars are a must. If you don't have these, a simple pinhole projector can be made with household items. This device allows you to view the eclipse indirectly, protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. For those who can't watch the eclipse in person, there are other options. Live streams and updates from various sources will bring the event right to your screen. This is a great way to experience the eclipse if you're not in the right location or if the weather isn't cooperating. It's also a good backup plan in case you miss the live event. After this eclipse, the next one will occur on Sept. 21, 2025. This one will be visible from remote areas of the Southern Hemisphere. It's a good idea to mark your calendar if you're interested in seeing more of these celestial events. Solar eclipses don't happen every day, so when they do, it's a special occasion.