The solar system always has something up its sleeve. The latest? A partial solar eclipse, March 29th’s highly-anticipated celestial spectacle.
If you have yet to catch a Northern Lights display in NYC — much like yours truly — or if you missed out the the planetary alignment back in January, now is the time to look towards the sky. But fair warning: you’re going to have to wake up a tad early…on the weekend.
What to know about the partial solar eclipse on March 29th
So, what exactly do we have in store? The partial solar eclipse is the phenomenon where the moon passes between the earth and sun, but it’s not perfectly aligned, therefore it gets its crescent shape.
According to NASA, those in the northeast are likely to catch the spectacle on Saturday, March 29th around 7am. If you’re keen on witnessing everything for yourself, we strongly recommend getting up as early as possible — just in case. The organization indicates that it will begin around 6:44am in NYC and peak around 6:46a.m. All in all, make sure to hit the hay early on Friday night!
Do I need special glasses for the partial solar eclipse?
Yes, while phenomenon is fascinating, it’s harmful to watch it without the appropriate accessories. You will need special eclipse glasses that have protective filters. Learn more about what to wear via the Solar Eclipse Across America website.
What is the difference between a partial and total solar eclipse?
Per NASA, during a total solar eclipse, the moon completely blocks the sun, ultimately resulting in brief darkness. Although the alignment between the moon, earth, and sun is off during a partial solar eclipse, it is visible from a wider region.
When is the next total solar eclipse?
Per the National Weather Service, we have some time: it won’t take place until August 12th, 2026, so mark your calendar accordingly. It will be most visible in the Arctic, eastern Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain.
For more on what’s taking place this weekend, visit NASA’s partial solar eclipse page.