Solar eclipse this weekend: How to watch it in the Southern California desert
Bummed to have missed out on last weekend's hard-rockin' heavy metal shenanigans in Indio? Well, here’s some good news: This weekend brings a fresh chance to take in another mind-blowing, profound, maybe even spiritually transcendent spectacle.
Ok, fine, it’s not quite an AC/DC reunion – but a local astronomy professor says the solar eclipse that will be visible from the Coachella Valley on Saturday morning should still make for quite a scene.
“Anytime the moon blocks the sun or the sun blocks the moon it’s a pretty amazing sight,” said Michael Gariety, a professor of physics and astronomy at College of the Desert. “Even though the eclipse happens every six months somewhere on Earth, it's exciting when it happens close to you.”
It’s the latter sight that people across the Western Hemisphere (including us) will be treated to on Saturday morning as the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking out the sun’s light. Those within a narrow arc of land extending from Oregon through Texas in the U.S. and into Central and South America will have the best view: They’ll be treated to the sight of the unique “ring of fire” effect that occurs when the moon covers all but the outer portion of the sun.
While the Coachella Valley will join most of the country in missing out on that peculiarity, residents who look to the east Saturday morning still will be treated to a partial solar eclipse with just under 80% of the sun blocked out by the moon at the eclipse’s peak.
Here is what you need to know about catching the eclipse – and how to stay safe if you choose to tune in to it.
When is the solar eclipse?
Timeanddate.com, which tracks solar eclipses, says the eclipse will begin at 8:08 a.m., with the moon gradually covering more and more of the sun until it covers about 79.7% of the sun’s visible surface at around 9:26 a.m. The portion of the sun then visible will increase until 10:53 a.m. when the sun will be fully visible again, ending the eclipse.
Solar eclipse glasses recommended for safety
Remember those eclipse glasses that became all the rage ahead of the 2017 solar eclipse? Well, you may want to go rummaging for them in the basement. That’s because it’s not safe to look at the eclipse with the naked eye, Gariety said. If you can’t find glasses but own a welder’s helmet or a telescope with a solar filter on the end, you can also use those.
Places to watch the eclipse in the Palm Springs area
Assuming you can get your hands on protective eyewear, Gariety said really anywhere with a clear view to the east should provide a good view. He said some people like to pick a spot where they can take a photo with trees, mountains or something else visible in the foreground to juxtapose with the eclipse which he said should work as long as whatever is being juxtaposed doesn’t block the view of the actual eclipse.
Looking to amp up your experience? The Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory is holding a free eclipse viewing event Saturday that will offer a chance to view the eclipse through solar filter-equipped telescopes. Attendees also will be able to make their own pinhole projection viewer that projects the eclipse onto a piece of paper allowing it to safely be viewed. Best of all? Free eclipse glasses will be distributed at the event while supplies last.
The event will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Rancho Mirage Community Park, which is located at 71-560 San Jacinto Drive.
Where to get solar eclipse glasses
Lost your pair from 2017? Your best bet is to probably look to Amazon. As of Tuesday, several brands of eclipses glasses were available on the mega retail site with several available to be sent via two-day shipping (so don’t delay). Wondering if your glasses are legit? Look for glasses that advertise an ISO of 12312-2 (sometimes written as 12312:2015). In addition to distributing free eclipse glasses at the viewing event, Rancho Mirage Library cardholders can also pick up glasses at the library this week.
Will it get darker during the eclipse?
Gariety said that while the eclipse will cause a dimming effect in the Coachella Valley, it likely won’t be too noticeable to most people because of how much of the sun is still visible.
Why won't the sun be fully blocked out?
Saturday’s eclipse is an annular eclipse, which is an eclipse that occurs when the sun is far enough from Earth that it appears smaller than the sun and does not completely block it out (that is why even those in the direct path will still see the ring of fire). The Coachella is also outside the path of the shadow's cast by the moon that will block out all but the outermost portion of the sun, creating the ring.
How is the forecast shaping up for the eclipse?
As of Tuesday, NWS San Diego is forecasting clear and sunny skies on Saturday. That forecast should make for good eclipse viewing if it holds.
When will I get another chance if I miss this solar eclipse?
While eclipses occur every six months and can always be seen from somewhere on Earth, being able to actually see one in the Coachella Valley is considerably rarer. In a unique coincidence, another solar eclipse will be visible in the Coachella Valley on April 8. That eclipse will cover about 14% of the sun less at its height than Saturday’s. Miss that one too? The US won’t have another visible solar eclipse until 2045, Gariety said.
Paul Albani-Burgio covers breaking news and the city of Palm Springs. Follow him on Twitter at @albaniburgiop and email him at paul.albani-burgio@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How to see this weekend's solar eclipse in Southern California
