Many stargazers in the US will have the chance to watch (weather permitting) an unusually crescent-shaped setting sun tomorrow evening, as a partial solar eclipse takes place.
The moon will pass in front of the sun, off centre, producing an eclipse that will be, if Mother Nature co-operates, visible to all of the US, bar Hawaii and New England.
“Observers in the Central Time Zone have the best view because the eclipse is in its maximum phase at sunset,” said Fred Espenak, long-time eclipse expert with US space agency NASA.
“They will see a fiery crescent sinking below the horizon, dimmed to human visibility by low-hanging clouds and mist.”
Despite occurring during a sunset, NASA has warned the public not to stare at the eclipse, as the sun could still cause pain and damage to the eyes. Direct viewing should only be attempted with the aid of a safe solar filter.
NASA has also released a video that previews the event.
Solar eclipse image via Shutterstock
