A partial solar eclipse will occur today, visible in the northern hemisphere. It is the first of 2023, lasting from 8:50 AM to 12:43 PM UTC. Astronomers emphasize eye safety, as viewing without proper protection can cause serious harm. The phenomenon will vary in visibility across different regions, with Europe also being able to observe it.
Today, a partial solar eclipse will occur as the moon partially obscures the sun, visible across the northern hemisphere, from eastern Canada to Siberia. This marks the 17th eclipse of the 21st century and the first of this year, lasting approximately four hours from 8:50 AM to 12:43 PM UTC.
Astronomer Florent Deleflie from the Paris-PSL Observatory noted that the initial viewers will be in Mauritania and Morocco, while northern Siberia will be among the last to experience this event. Additionally, the partial eclipse will also be observable in Europe, peaking at 10:47 AM UTC over northeastern Canada and Greenland, where up to 90% of the sun’s surface will be obscured, albeit not enough to darken the sky completely.
A solar eclipse occurs due to the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth. For a total eclipse, the moon’s shadow must touch the Earth’s surface, which will not happen this time, as explained by Deleflie, resulting instead in a partial occurrence without complete obscuration anywhere.
In France, the eclipse will be visible between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM UTC, with 10% to 30% of the sun’s disk covered, depending on the specific location. Observers are advised that while the change may be subtle, it can still be enjoyed safely with proper eye protection.
Protective eyewear is essential during this phenomenon to prevent eye injuries from harmful solar rays. Deleflie cautioned that even minor defects in eclipse glasses can lead to serious eye damage. This eclipse comes two weeks after a total lunar eclipse, which gave the moon a red appearance, a typical occurrence during its cyclical phases.
The last partial solar eclipse visible in mainland France was on October 25, 2022. A total solar eclipse is anticipated on August 12, 2026, but it will not be directly visible in France though it will cover 92% of the sun’s disk in Paris and 96% in Marseille.
In summary, today’s partial solar eclipse presents a unique celestial event, viewable across various regions in the northern hemisphere. Observers are reminded of the importance of eye safety during the phenomenon. While no total eclipse will occur due to imperfect alignment, the partial eclipse remains an opportunity to witness a remarkable occurrence in the sky.
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