Incoming eclipse headed towards Texas
A natural spectacle is set to take place in parts of Texas this weekend.
A solar eclipse will travel through much of North America, Central and South America Saturday, Oct. 14. The eclipse will not directly pass through Taylor, but locals are expected to still get a fairly noticeable view at about 11:55 a.m. when the path crosses through San Antonio.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said the eclipse will be an annular eclipse, which happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth while being at its further point from the planet. This means the Moon will only cover a portion of the sun, creating a “ring of fire” visual.
Residents can expect a partial eclipse at about 10:30 a.m., according to NASA. During this portion of the eclipse, the Moon will slowly block the sun at an increasing rate.
About an hour and 20 minutes later will be the annularity phase, NASA said. This phase is when the Moon blocks the Sun the most and will last about five minutes.
Then, the eclipse will return to being a partial eclipse, with the Sun no longer being blocked by the Moon’s orbit. Based on NASA data, Taylor should be fully finished with the eclipse experience by about 12:20 p.m.
Scientists stress the importance of eye safety during the eclipse. There is no period of totality when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, which is unlike total solar eclipses.
Observers are recommended to use eclipse glasses to look at the spectacle, which are different from standard sunglasses. Additionally, NASA recommends not to directly look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device.
The last annular solar eclipse to cross the United States was in May 2012. A total solar eclipse, which is when the Sun is entirely covered by the Moon, is expected to take place April 8, 2024.
