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If you are up bright and early on Monday September 22, you might catch a glimpse of the rare partial solar eclipse that will grace New Zealand skies.
There hasn’t been an eclipse like it since 2012, according to Auckland’s Te Whatu Stardome experts.
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, partially or completely blocking the sun’s light.
“Unfortunately, it looks like we will have a covering of high cloud across the region to start the week. However, changes in the weather pattern over the weekend could mean a break in the cloud to witness the astronomic show so keep an eye on the cloud cover forecasts,” MetService meteorologist John Law says.
According to Stardome, “the Sun will rise while the eclipse is already in progress. The Moon will slowly move across the disc of the Sun and partially block out its light.
“Unlike a lunar eclipse, solar eclipses do require eye protection, as it is never safe to look directly at the Sun. Because this is a partial solar eclipse, the Sun will not be fully blocked by the Moon at any point during the event. “
Here are the best viewing tips, according to Stardome:
You’ll need a pair of solar glasses (not sunglasses) to watch safely — you can purchase these online or grab a pair from their gift shop at Te Whatu Stardome for $5.
The eclipse will begin at about 6:10am. It will already be in progress when the Sun rises just after 6am. The Sun will appear as a crescent when it rises, with the Moon slowly moving across the Sun and blocking more of its light over the next hour. (Check the exact time of sunrise from your location).
It will be at its maximum at 6:55am with the Moon blocking out around 60 per cent of the Sun’s disc. This will be the best time to view the eclipse. From here, the Moon will begin to move away from the Sun.
The eclipse will end at 8:04am. The edge of the Moon will leave the disc of the Sun, ending the eclipse just after 8am.
