Space

Watch the Partial Solar Eclipse Darken the Skies This Thursday Evening!

Catherine Griffin
First Posted: Oct 23, 2014 07:37 AM EDT

Sky gazers are in luck today. A partial solar eclipse will occur across North America this Thursday during the evening hours, so make sure to catch a glimpse--as long as the weather cooperates.

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the new moon passes in front of the sun. This casts a shadow on Earth as the moon blocks part of the sun from view, according to NASA

In the United States, more than half of the sun's diameter will be covered north of a line extending from San Francisco to the Oklahoma panhandle, according to Fox News. This will occur in the mid- to late-afternoon hours, which means that it will be too late to dim the landscape abnormally. That said, it's possible to record the gradual fading and recovery of the sunlight with sensitive cameras.

Unlike a total solar eclipse, which occurs over just a few minutes, the partial solar eclipse will occur over a longer period of time. If you plan to look at the eclipse, remember to use special filters to keep your eyes safe from the intense light of the sun; the sun is no less dangerous to look at during a partial eclipse than it is during a normal sunny day.

If you get the chance today, remember to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse using proper filters or projection. It's likely to be quite the sight-assuming that clouds don't get in the way. And always remember: Never look directly at the sun during an eclipse or otherwise.

For more information about partial solar eclipses, you can visit NASA's website.

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