Annular Solar Eclipse – Sunday May 20, 2012

There is a partial annular solar eclipse this Sunday. It’s visible from Seattle. A solar eclipse is when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun. A total eclipse is when, from this position, the Moon completely blocks our view of the Sun. An annular eclipse is when the Moon is just a little farther away, and so although it is completely in front of the Sun, it doesn’t completely block our view, we can still see a ring of Sun around the edge of the Moon. For this eclipse the most anyone will be able to see is an annular eclipse.

Images from Stellarium

Viewing Safety
Never look directly at the Sun. Safe viewing is paramount. Always use appropriate safety equipment to view the Sun. This can be:

Eclipse glasses (available at the Pacific Science Center Store and www.rainbowsymphony.com)
#14 Welders goggles
A pinhole projector (make: http://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/how.html)

Do not use stacked sunglasses, smoked glass, or rely on cloudcover to protect you.
Frequently Asked Questions

Visibility from Seattle
Start: 5:01pm
Max (82%): 6:17pm
Finish: 7:25pm
Sunset: 8:47pm
Visibility from Redding, CA
Start: 5:10pm
Max (96%): 6:28pm
End: 7:35pm
Sunset: 8:29pm
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