If you have been paying attention to the news, you probably know that on Saturday during the day there will be an annular eclipse of the sun that will be visible across the lower 48 states, although in most places it will just be a partial eclipse. Since it is happening during the day, it will even be visible as some football games are played. BUT DON’T LOOK AT IT DIRECTLY! Here in the Southeast, we won’t see the full ring but will see a crescent Sun as it is partially blocked by the moon. You can read more at https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/annular-solar-eclipse-happening-soon-without-shadow-doubt, which also includes a map showing the likelihood of viewing based on climatological cloudiness. You can use https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa to determine what it will look like at your location and when it will reach its maximum coverage by putting your location in the search box at the top right. CAUTION: Do not look directly at the sun, it will cause permanent damage to your eyes. If you have eclipse glasses (not sunglasses, which are not nearly strong enough), then you can look at it. Otherwise, view the sunlight shining on the ground through leaves or a colander to see the crescent shape. There will be a variety of video sources also streaming online. Many local libraries also will have viewing parties and will provide filtered telescopes or free eclipse glasses to view it safely. You can read Popular Science for more information here. EarthSky also has a list of streaming sites at How to watch a solar eclipse safely. Plus livestreams! (earthsky.org).
