On March 29, an extraordinary solar eclipse will illuminate the skies at sunrise over eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, along with other northern locations. This event marks the first solar eclipse since the much-anticipated “Great American Eclipse” on April 8, 2024. While this will not be a total solar eclipse, it promises to be an impressive sight as it is classified as a “deep partial solar eclipse”, with approximately 93% of the sun’s disk obscured by the new moon.
People across parts of North America will have the opportunity to witness this celestial phenomenon at sunrise or shortly thereafter. Following the initial viewing, locations such as Greenland, Iceland, Europe, and northwest Africa will experience the eclipse as the sun ascends throughout the morning. Interestingly, Russia will be the last to catch a glimpse, with regions in Siberia having the chance to view the eclipse at sunset.
The amount of coverage will vary significantly across the United States. For instance, northern Maine could see up to 85% coverage, while cities like Philadelphia will experience only about 11% coverage. In Washington, D.C., the coverage plummets to a mere 1%, according to Live Science. To find out the percentage of the eclipse visible from your specific location, you can visit in-the-sky.org.
As noted by Chris Dolce, a senior digital meteorologist at weather.com, the weather conditions in the Northeast may not be ideal for viewing the eclipse. A weather disturbance could introduce significant cloud cover that morning, and the possibility of rain or snow cannot be ruled out. If you are planning to observe the eclipse, remember to equip yourself with certified solar glasses to protect your eyes.
In addition to solar glasses, viewers can also utilize a telescope or binoculars equipped with a solar filter for a closer look. It is crucial to emphasize that neglecting to use proper eye protection can result in severe eye damage, so take the necessary precautions to enjoy this stunning astronomical event safely.
