Californians may be worried about not getting a great view of Monday’s Great North American eclipse, but seeing just some of the action will still be worth it.
A solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon and Earth align in the sky, casting a narrow shadow that completely or partially blocks sunlight. The eclipse is expected to cross 13 US states on Monday; Even though California is not in the path of totality, partial solar eclipses can still provide a unique viewing experience.
There are usually two solar eclipses per year, but this number can increase to five in rare circumstances, according to astronomy.com. However, waiting for an eclipse to occur in a specific area can take years. The next solar eclipse is expected to pass through California on August 12, 2045, according to KQED.
Anyone in the Bay Area hoping to see a total solar eclipse will have to travel out of the state – and possibly the country – to do so; The next time a total solar eclipse will be visible from San Francisco will be December 31, 2252.
Although partial eclipses don’t have the unique feel of a total solar blackout, they give more of the world the chance to witness a spectacular celestial event.
When and where will the eclipse begin?
The eclipse is expected to begin in the Bay Area around 10:14 a.m. PDT, peak at 11:13 a.m. and end around 12:16 p.m.
Crystal Oudit, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said Sunday the weather should be good for viewing in most Bay Area cities.
“We shouldn’t see too many clouds,” she said. “On the contrary, it will be very high clouds. A few low clouds will be here early, but they should clear out by late morning and skies should be sunny.
In San Francisco and Oakland, approximately 34% of the solar surface area will be covered. In San Jose, the moon will cover about 36% of the sun’s surface. In Sacramento, 35% of the sun’s surface will be covered by the moon.
In Southern California cities like San Diego, Los Angeles and Fresno, the moon will obscure more of the sun’s surface.
Animals might react differently during the eclipse
The Associated Press reported that researchers will observe how animals react during the eclipse. During past eclipses, animals tend to behave as if dusk is early and may seek shelter. Due to the darkening of the sky and the drop in temperature during the partial solar eclipse, the chirping of birds may subside and give way to crickets. Researchers also noted that pets can mimic their owners’ reactions to diminishing sunlight.
Viewing the eclipse in person and online
If you have time and a little extra money to spend, the Chabot Space and Science Center in the Oakland hills, the Exploratorium in San Francisco, and the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley host nature viewing evenings. eclipse from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
San Francisco State University will also have solar viewing equipment to allow people to view the eclipse for free. They will be set up in the plaza at the main entrance to Thornton Hall and one in the quad near the Cesar Chavez Student Center. Mount Diablo Astronomical Society volunteers will also bring telescopes and eclipse glasses to the Danville Library between 10:10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Foothill College also hosts two eclipse viewing events on campus. The Science Learning Institute will teach visitors how to make their own DIY eclipse viewers between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the PSEC Quad. Two Foothill operators from the Peninsula Astronomical Society will also open the Foothill Observatory between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., provided weather conditions are good.
NASA will also live stream the eclipse on Facebook, X, YouTube and Twitch. The organization will also include live coverage with experts describing what’s happening on the agency’s website, starting at 10 a.m. A telescope-only feed of the eclipse will also be broadcast on the NASA TV media channel and YouTube.
Some stores may still sell solar eclipse glasses
Of course, you should be able to see the partial eclipse from wherever you are, but you need to take steps to protect your vision. Experts recommend using safety glasses during solar eclipses. Do not attempt to view the eclipse with alternatives, such as sunglasses, binoculars, or telescopes without special filters, as inadequate protection can damage your retinas and potentially cause blindness.
If you’re in a hurry, stores like Lowes, Walmart, and Staples still had solar eclipse safety glasses in their online inventories just days before the big event.
You can still enjoy the eclipse without glasses (but seriously, don’t look directly at the sun)
Crescent shadows are only visible during partial solar eclipses. You can see them if you look at the ground under a deciduous tree. When sunlight passes through the leaves, it casts crescent-shaped shadows on the ground.
Another way to mimic this effect is to use a kitchen strainer. With your back to the sun, hold the strainer over your shoulder and the crescent shape of the sun will be projected through the holes.
Associated Press and Bay Area News Group writer Paul Rogers contributed to this report.
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