It's not going to be the total solar eclipse of 2024 but it'll still be a spectacle to behold.
A partial solar eclipse is coming up at the end of the month, according to Space.com, and you still be able to see it in Massachusetts.
This time, only "44,800 (people) will see a 90% or deeper eclipse" and that will only be visible in Northern Quebec, Canada, according to Space.com. But, there still will be a view in Massachusetts.
Timeanddate.com stated that it will begin at 4:50 a.m. and will last until around 8:43 a.m. on March 29.
What happens during a partial solar eclipse?
According to NASA, "During a partial solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, but not perfectly aligned, causing only a portion of the sun to appear covered, resulting in a crescent shape."
What percent of the sun will be covered by the eclipse in Massachusetts?
The eclipse will be visible in the northeast.
"The eclipse will be visible in the eastern states, including Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey," NASA stated on its website. "The eclipse will be strongest in Canada, where over 92% of the sun will be covered."
Massachusetts residents could see a 40%-50% of the sun covered by the moon during the upcoming eclipse, according to a graphic on timeanddate.com,
What's the best way to see the eclipse?
NASA stated on its website that people planning on viewing the event should wear "eclipse glasses or a solar telescope to view the sun during a partial solar eclipse" or else damage could be done to the eyes.
NASA does not certify glasses, so be wary of any manufacturers claiming that to have the space agency's approval.
Eclipse glasses should all have the "ISO" (International Organization for Standardization) icon. The glasses also must have the ISO reference number 12312-2.
If you cannot find certified glasses, there are other ways to view the eclipse, including with a shadow box you can make yourself. Whatever you do, don't look at the sun without proper protection.
How to make solar eclipse glasses?
NASA recommends creating a cereal box viewer, using cereal box, cardboard, foil, paper, scissors and tape or glue. Here are the steps:
Once it is done, to use it you point the pinhole at the sun and then with your back facing the sun, look through the viewing opening. A small image of the sun should be reflected on the white paper in the box.
When are some other partial solar eclipses happening?
According to NASA, they will occur on: