Did you know that a partial solar eclipse will occur in October? Held during the day on a Saturday, it provides an easy opportunity for passing enthusiasts to enjoy the wonders of celestial movement.
Here in Vermont, you can see the moon waning slightly from the sun on October 14th. However, in the western and southwestern United States, skywatchers will be able to see an annular solar eclipse. This occurs when the relative position of the moon is smaller. The resulting image of the Sun is a “ring of fire” surrounding the lunar body.
The partial solar eclipse will begin at 12:12 p.m. ET, reach its maximum at 1:19 p.m., and end at 2:26 p.m.
How to observe a solar eclipse
Approved eclipse glasses are required to view a partial solar eclipse, as dark lenses protect your eyes from harmful rays. Normally, when looking at the sun, people blink to protect their eyes as a natural reaction, but during a solar eclipse, the intensity decreases, making it possible to stare at the sun. UV rays are still being emitted and can cause permanent vision damage.
The same applies to cameras, camcorders, and phones. If you want to take images or videos, you can tape solar glass to the lens of the device you’re using, or you can buy special solar filters designed to fit over the lens. Be sure to look at the sun through the device. In this way, the glasses or filters protect your device and your eyes at the same time.
ECHO celebrates the solar eclipse
Want to turn an event into an event and learn more from experts? Echo Leahy Center on Lake Champlain Programs are being held in downtown Burlington to celebrate the solar eclipse.with physics students from the University of Vermont. Vermont Astronomical Society ECHO staff will help teach family-friendly activities and safe sun viewing. The solar eyepiece and telescope projections show you what you can see in the Vermont sky. Visitors may also use the solar glasses provided with admission to the ECHO Center. The center will also set up a livestream to observe what the annular solar eclipse will look like from areas of the globe where the “ring of fire” is visible.
This solar eclipse is also an opportunity to prepare for a larger solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse is scheduled for northern Vermont, occurring between 2:14 p.m. and 4:37 p.m. on April 8th. There’s a chance for all types of skywatchers to try it out. As a sort of practice for next year’s once-in-a-lifetime event, we gear up and consider possible locations.
If you go…
what: Partial solar eclipse observationwhere: ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlingtonwhen: From 10am to 5pmFee: Free regular admission to ECHO or membership. Solar Glass is a pay-as-you-go type with a suggested donation of $3.More information: echovermont.org/event/2023-partial-solar-eclipse
Space science details: Planetarium Lady revitalizes the observatory and brings stars to Williston and beyond
Learn more about astronomy in Vermont: Vermont explores stars and discovers twice as many galaxies
contact reporter april burton abarton@freepressmedia.com or call 802-660-1854. Follow her on Twitter @aprildbarton.