Since Charley and I are involved with astronomy, and especially solar eclipses, we want your readers to know that on Sunday there will be an annular eclipse visible in Los Angeles.
We have decided to set up our AstroScan, which will allow folks to view it without endangering their eyes. We will set it up in Vets Park, near Barman Avenue, behind the Swimming Pool just before first contact if anyone wants to come by.
Here is the information:
Annular Solar Eclipse
Visible in Los Angeles – Sunday.
The next one visible in North America will be in 2017.
First Contact: 5:25 p.m.
Annularity: 6:38 p.m.
Final Contact: 7:43 p.m.
An annular eclipse occurs while the moon is on the far side of its orbit around the earth. The moon appears smaller than the sun and can't completely cover it. The moon's umbral shadow is not long enough to reach earth. So the Sun is only partially “covered.”
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Safety Concerns for Eclipse Watching
Although this is taking place at sunset, you still need to protect your eyes. A Mylar filter specifically made for solar viewing is the best thing to use. Don’t depend on sunglasses or smoked glass.
You also can look at the image of the eclipse reflected on the ground or through a pinhole in a box.
Our AstroScan telescope allows indirect viewing of the sun during the eclipse.
Dr. Hoult may be contacted at HOULTight@aol.com
