Published: September 28, 2023
Get your solar safety glasses ready – it’s time to see the annular solar eclipse spectacle heading for South Florida’s skies. The partial eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America, starting in our region at 11:57 a.m. Saturday, October 14, with maximum visibility at 1:33 p.m. If the weather cooperates, and it’s a clear day, the sun might look a little like it has a bite taken out of it as the moon casts a shadow as it passes between the sun and the Earth. And although it won’t get as dark as it would during a full eclipse, it will get dimmer, and maybe even a little cooler.
But, please remember, it’s not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. Make preparations in advance, or plan to attend a local event designed specifically for sky gazers, such as Discover Deering Day at Deering Estate or the Solar Eclipse Celebration at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, both taking place on Oct. 14.
The Broward County Library is also giving away 8,000 solar eclipse glasses to cardholders on a first-come, first-served basis in honor of National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Existing cardholders can show their card to receive one pair of glasses, or new patrons can sign up on the spot. Visit http://www.broward.org/library to see which branches have glasses in stock.
For more viewing safety tips, visit http://www.nasa.gov/content/eye-safety-during-a-total-solar-eclipse.
