This Saturday, March 29th, we will have the first solar eclipse of the year, which in this case will be partial. Although it will not be visible everywhere, it will be visible in various places in North America, Europe, and northern Africa. In the United States, the phenomenon will be visible in several states in the northeast, just at sunrise when the Moon covers part of the Sun.
In some specific regions, such as Maine, New Brunswick, and Quebec, the eclipse will produce an optical phenomenon known as the “double sunrise”. In this astronomical event, the Sun will appear to split into two bright lobes as it partially emerges covered by the Moon, creating an impressive image.
Where and how to observe the solar eclipse safely?
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the partial eclipse will begin before sunrise in North America, creating a spectacular visual illusion in which the Sun will appear as a crescent. This effect will be more noticeable in the coastal areas of the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, where solar coverage will exceed 80%.
The partial solar eclipse will be visible in at least 13 states in the U.S., with greater intensity in the northeast of the country. According to Time and Date, these are the states where it will be possible to observe it:
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
Outside the American continent, the eclipse will also be visible in parts of Europe and northwest Africa. Some cities with partial visibility are: Reykjavik (Iceland), London (United Kingdom), Paris (France), Madrid (Spain), Berlin (Germany), Tangier, Casablanca, and Agadir (Morocco).
To safely enjoy the event, the most important warning is not to look directly at the Sun during an eclipse, as stated by NASA and the American Astronomical Society, as this can cause irreversible eye damage. The recommendations are:
- Use eclipse glasses certified under the ISO 12312-2 standard.
- Use sun filters on telescopes or binoculars.
- Use methods of indirect projection, such as a camera obscura.