The recent total lunar eclipse dazzled skywatchers in North and South America, with the next celestial event being a partial solar eclipse on March 29 in the northeastern U.S. and Canada. The partial solar eclipse will begin around 4:50 a.m. EDT and end just before 8:43 a.m., with varying peak times depending on location. It is important to wear safety glasses or use other methods to protect your eyes during the eclipse to avoid “eclipse blindness” caused by exposure to harmful UV rays. NASA warns against looking at the sun through any optical device, as even eclipse glasses can be inadequate to protect your eyes.
Solar eclipse glasses can be purchased from approved vendors online or in stores such as Amazon, Walmart, and Lowe’s. It is essential to ensure the glasses have the ISO icon with the reference number 12312-2 to comply with safety standards. Free glasses may also be available at local libraries, schools, and observatories, but caution should be taken to avoid counterfeit products.
Unlike a total solar eclipse where the sun is fully covered, a partial solar eclipse will only partially block the sun, creating a crescent shape. This event differs from the recent lunar eclipse, during which the Earth blocked sunlight from reaching the moon. While the total solar eclipse in 2024 was a rare sight with the alignment of the Earth, sun, and moon, the upcoming partial eclipse will offer a different experience for sky gazers.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
