How to Safely Observe Next Week's Partial Solar Eclipse

Partial Solar Eclipse as Seen in Juneau, AK, on Oct. 23, 2014 — The greatest extent of the eclipse in the United States will be visible from Juneau, Alaska, at 1:31 p.m. AKDT, 61 percent of the sun covered.

(Image credit: Starry Night software)

Millions of people across North America could have a chance to observe a partial solar eclipse next week, weather permitting.

Although Thursday's (Oct. 23) partial solar eclipse may not be as spectacular as a total eclipse, it is still a beautiful and interesting event to witness. The sight of the moon gradually moving across the face of the sun fills most people with awe.

The best views of the eclipse will be in the north, in Alaska and the Canadian arctic, but everyone in North America should see some of it, except in the extreme northeast of the continent. In eastern North America, the eclipse will only be visible near or at sunset, so a low western horizon is essential. Venus is very close to the eclipsed sun, but you will probably need to block the sun from view to spot it. [Find out how to see the partial solar eclipse using these sky maps]

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In some ways a partial eclipse is the most dangerous to observe. People naturally want to look at it, and this defeats our normal reflex to look away from the sun. WARNING: Never look directly at the sun through binoculars, a telescope or with your unaided eye. Serious eye damage and even blindness can result. Scientists and experienced skywatchers use special filters and glasses to safely observe the sun.