If you missed the eclipse event spanning March 13-14, another chance to witness an eclipse is coming later this month.
On March 29, a partial solar eclipse will be visible to observers in parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
While it may not be as dramatic as the total solar eclipse—where the moon completely obscured the sun, plunging regions of the U.S. into darkness—this partial solar eclipse will allow some observers to witness the moon covering up to 93% of the sun, as reported by NASA.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming partial solar eclipse.
What is a partial solar eclipse?
Like a total solar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth. However, unlike a total eclipse, the sun, moon, and Earth are not perfectly aligned. Consequently, the moon only blocks a portion of the sun for viewers on Earth. For those within the eclipse’s path, the sun will take on a crescent shape.
The California Academy of Sciences notes that partial solar eclipses occur about twice a year, on average.
When is the next partial solar eclipse?
The first partial solar eclipse of the year will occur on March 29.
Timeanddate.com reports that in the Americas, the partial eclipse will already be in progress at sunrise. In Western Europe and Northwest Africa, it will commence in the mid-to-late morning. Viewers in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia can observe the eclipse during the afternoon and early evening.
Where will the next partial solar eclipse be visible?
The partial solar eclipse in March will cast a shadow across a large part of the globe, although the percentage of the sun covered will vary by location.
According to Timeanddate.com, while over 800 million people are within the eclipse’s path, only 44,800 will experience at least 90% of the sun being obscured by the moon.
NASA says the partial solar eclipse will be visible in portions of North America, Europe, Africa, northern Asia, small areas of South America, throughout Greenland and Iceland, and parts of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans.
Locations with significant coverage include Halifax, Canada, where approximately 83% of the sun will be covered around 7 a.m. In Portland, Maine, an estimated 64% coverage is expected around 6 a.m. Meanwhile, in Nuuk, Greenland, 87% of the sun is projected to be covered between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Is it safe to look at a partial solar eclipse?
Since the sun is never completely covered during a partial solar eclipse, viewers must wear protective glasses at all times. Safe solar viewing glasses are much darker than standard sunglasses.
Looking directly at an eclipse without protective eyewear can cause serious eye damage. Dr. Nicole Bajic, a surgical ophthalmologist at the Cleveland Clinic, told Health that “Solar retinopathy is a photochemical injury to your retina.”
Richard Fienberg, project manager at AAS’ Solar Eclipse Task Force, told Health that the American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) website is a reliable source for purchasing safe solar viewing glasses that meet the required safety standards for viewing an eclipse.
He cautioned, “There are companies selling eclipse glasses under false pretenses. The two most likely false pretenses are the glasses have not actually been tested properly and shown to be safe, or the glasses are made in China but printed with information that says they’re made in America.”
Feinberg advises that old eclipse glasses can be reused if they are free from holes or tears and still meet the safety standard.
Viewers can also use indirect viewing methods, such as a pinhole projector, to safely observe the eclipse indirectly through shadows, but caution is advised.