A partial solar eclipse is scheduled for September 21-22, offering a celestial display to observers across a wide area of the southern hemisphere. The event will occur when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, partially obscuring the solar disk for viewers in specific locations.
According to astronomical data, the eclipse will be visible to more than 16 million people. The path of visibility includes several Pacific islands, parts of Australia, and Antarctica. For those outside the viewing area, a live online broadcast will be available.
Key Takeaways
- Event: A partial solar eclipse will take place on September 21-22.
- Visibility: The eclipse will be visible from Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, parts of Australia, and Antarctica.
- Timeline: The event begins globally at 1:29 p.m. EDT (1729 GMT) on September 21 and concludes at 5:53 p.m. EDT (2153 GMT).
- Safety: It is never safe to look directly at a partial solar eclipse without certified eye protection.
- Online Viewing: A livestream will be provided by Time and Date for global audiences.
Path and Visibility of the Eclipse
The upcoming partial solar eclipse will trace a path primarily over the Pacific Ocean. The astronomical alignment will allow residents of numerous island nations and parts of two continents to witness the event. According to Time and Date, the visibility zone encompasses a population of over 16 million people.
Key locations within the path include the island country of Samoa, which will be one of the first places to see the eclipse begin. Other areas with clear views will be New Zealand and Fiji. The eclipse will also be observable from certain regions of Australia and a section of Antarctica.
What Is a Partial Solar Eclipse?
A partial solar eclipse happens during the new moon phase, when the moon's orbit takes it directly between the sun and Earth. However, unlike a total solar eclipse, the alignment is not perfect. The moon only covers a portion of the sun's disk, leaving a bright crescent visible. This is because the moon's umbra, its darkest and fullest shadow, misses Earth, and only its lighter, outer shadow, the penumbra, falls on the planet.
Understanding the Eclipse Stages
The celestial event will unfold over several hours, progressing through distinct phases. Each stage offers a different view of the moon's silhouette moving across the sun.
Stage 1: First Contact
The eclipse officially begins with what astronomers call "first contact." This initial phase starts at 1:29 p.m. EDT (1729 GMT) on September 21. For observers in Samoa, this is when the edge of the moon will first appear to touch the upper right side of the sun's disk. This marks the beginning of the partial obscuration.
Stage 2: Deepening Obscuration
Following first contact, the moon's shadow will continue its journey across the sun. Over the next few hours, the eclipse's path will move across the Pacific Ocean. Viewers in New Zealand and Fiji will see the moon cover more of the sun, transforming its circular shape into a noticeable crescent of light.
In New Zealand and Antarctica, the eclipse will be particularly significant. At its peak in these regions, over 70% of the sun's disk will be covered by the moon, creating the appearance of a thin, sickle-shaped sun in the sky.
Stage 3: Maximum Eclipse
The point of greatest eclipse, or the maximum phase, will occur at 3:41 p.m. EDT (1941 GMT). This peak moment will happen over a largely unpopulated area of the Pacific Ocean. At this time, the largest possible portion of the sun will be hidden behind the moon for this specific event.
An interesting phenomenon can be observed during this stage. Light filtering through small openings, such as the spaces between tree leaves or holes in a colander, will project tiny crescent shapes onto the ground, mirroring the partially eclipsed sun above.
Stage 4: Final Contact
After reaching its maximum, the eclipse will begin to wane. The moon will gradually move away from the sun's disk, revealing more of its surface. For viewers in New Zealand, the moon will appear to move from left to right off the sun. The entire event will conclude at 5:53 p.m. EDT (2153 GMT), with the last glimpse visible from a remote peninsula in Antarctica.
How to Observe the Event Safely
Observing a solar eclipse requires strict safety measures to prevent permanent eye damage. Because the sun is never fully covered during a partial eclipse, it is crucial to use proper protection throughout the entire event.
"It is never safe to observe a partial solar eclipse with the naked eye. Even when a large portion of the sun is covered, the remaining sunlight is intense enough to cause serious and irreversible retinal damage. Always use certified solar viewing glasses or a solar filter on your telescope or camera."
Here are some approved methods for safe viewing:
- Certified Eclipse Glasses: Use solar viewing glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient.
- Solar Filters: If using a telescope, binoculars, or a camera, you must attach a specialized solar filter to the front of the lens.
- Pinhole Projector: A simple and safe indirect viewing method involves creating a pinhole projector. This allows you to project an image of the sun onto a surface without looking directly at it.
Before using any viewing equipment, inspect it carefully. If your eclipse glasses are scratched, punctured, or damaged, do not use them.
Global Viewing Options for Everyone
For those located outside the path of visibility, it is still possible to witness the eclipse. Modern technology allows people from all over the world to experience the event as it happens.
Time and Date will host a free livestream of the partial solar eclipse. The broadcast will feature live views from different locations along the eclipse path, providing clear images of the sun as the moon passes in front of it. The stream will also include expert commentary, explaining the science behind the event and answering viewer questions. This provides a safe and accessible way for a global audience to participate in the celestial phenomenon.