The eclipse will be visible from much of North America just before sundown, astronomers with NASA explain

Oct 22, 2014 07:46 GMT  ·  By
This October 23, space enthusiasts in North America will get to feast their eyes on a partial solar eclipse
   This October 23, space enthusiasts in North America will get to feast their eyes on a partial solar eclipse

It's good news for folks in North America. NASA astronomers say that coming this Thursday, October 23, people living in or maybe just visiting this corner of the world will get to feast their eyes on a partial solar eclipse.

Apparently, space enthusiasts along most of the East Coast and the Midwest will get front row seats to this cosmic event, set to happen just before sundown.

A sunset to remember

The partial solar eclipse will be the result of the moon's blocking part of the sun from view. Researchers say that, when the eclipse reaches its peak, as much as 70% of the sun's surface will be hidden behind the moon.

“One sunset this month could be out of this world. On Thursday, Oct. 23rd, the setting sun across eastern parts of the USA will be red, beautiful and crescent-shaped. In other words, the New Moon is going to ‘take a bite’ out of the Sun.”

“The eclipse will be especially beautiful in eastern parts of the USA, where the Moon and Sun line up at the end of the day, transforming the usual sunset into something weird and wonderful,” NASA astronomers explain.

It is understood that, except for people in Hawaii and in New England, pretty much everybody in the US will get to see the eclipse. Sun coverage by the moon is expected to range from 12% in Florida to 70% in Alaska.

How to safely observe the eclipse

NASA specialists warn that, although the solar eclipse set to occur this Thursday is merely a partial one, people risk permanent eye damage or even blindness should they try to observe it without using any kind of protection.

Those wishing to study the phenomenon should acquire filters especially designed for solar viewing. It's important to note that, contrary to what some might assume, regular sunglasses do diddly-squat when it comes to keeping eyes safe during solar eclipses.

In case there are people who feel like having a really close look at this cosmic event, NASA says that the best way to go is to buy a telescope that is fitted with a solar filter. Those who can't afford one should check whether it might not be possible for them to borrow such a piece of equipment from a local astronomy club.

To get a better idea of what this October 23 partial solar eclipse will be like and how best to watch it to avoid eye damage, check out the video below.