Solar eclipses are rare occurrences, with the last total eclipse occurring in 2017, causing many people to travel to get the best viewing spot of the astrological event. While another total eclipse won’t grace the skies until 2024, an annular eclipse is happening on October 14.
While certain parts of the world have the best view, namely Oregon on the West Coast, everyone can see a partial eclipse no matter where they’re viewing from. While the Bay Area isn’t in the annular path that gives the best view, people can still spot the partial eclipse from SF.
When is the eclipse in SF?
The eclipse will be visible starting just after 8:00 a.m. on Saturday the 14th, and by 8:30 a.m. should be easily noticeable. The eclipse peaks at 9:19 a.m. when over 75% of the sun will be blocked.
How to view the eclipse
To view the eclipse, make sure you’re in a spot where you can see the sun. While there are many especially scenic spots in SF, you can view the eclipse from anywhere you can see the sun. It is recommended to wear eclipse glasses to safely view the eclipse. Viewing an eclipse with your naked eye or through a telescope or binoculars could cause severe eye damage.
What are the different types of eclipses?
An eclipse is when the moon passes in front of the sun, lining up with Earth. Eclipses are rare and only happen twice a year when the orbits align, called eclipse season. There are four types of solar eclipses: total, annular, partial, and hybrid. A total eclipse completely covers the sun, while an annular occurs when the moon is far away from Earth, appearing smaller than the sun. This leaves a fiery ring around the dark moon. A partial eclipse, as the name suggests, is when the moon covers only part of the sun. Finally, a hybrid solar eclipses occurs because of the curvature of the Earth the eclipse can switch between annular and total.