Yuba-Sutter residents might want to keep their eyes to the sky this evening.

A once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse will be visible as the moon blackens most of the sun along a path stretching from Northern California southeast to western Texas. a thin C-shaped sliver of sun will be visible in Marysville and Yuba City, but those willing to drive a little farther north might be able to catch the “ring of fire,” as the moon centers itself within the sun.

Olivehurst resident Richard Dunn plans to drive to the Oroville dam for a picturesque view across the clear horizon. An astronomy lover since before he could read, this will be the first eclipse he’s ever seen.

“I’m just never in the right place at the right time,” he said. “This might be a once-in-a-lifetime event for me. It’s not a total eclipse, but it’s pretty spectac lar.”

Dunn encouraged everyone to take the time to witness this rare astronomical event.

“A lot of people don’t realize how rare it actually is,” he said. “You have to be in the pathway of the shadow.”

Today marks the first annular eclipse to cross United States skies since may 10, 1994, and one will not be visible in Northern California again until 2252.

The U.C. Davis Health system advises viewers to exercise caution to avoid serious eye injury. Just because the sun appears dim and it’s not uncomfortable to look at it does not mean eyes are safe.

Improper viewing of the sun can cause retinal burns or what is known as eclipse blindness and potentially cause permanent blindness.

A solar filter or No. 14 welder’s glass is crucial for safely viewing the eclipse, to block ultraviolet and infrared radiation.

Many area residents are excited about this rare astronomical event.

“Most people do not get the opportunity to see such celestial sights. Annual eclipses are worth the time to drive to an optimum viewing area,” said Plumas Lake resident Jeff Phinney, in a Facebook post.

“This Sunday will be a great time for a Sunday drive.”

Jennifer Gray planned to go with a home-schooling group to the observatory at Bidwell Park in Chico, where there is going to be a presentation on eclipses and opportunity to use the telescopes for premier viewing.

Today’s weather forecast appears good for viewing. Meteorologist Stefanie Henry said the National Weather Service is expecting pretty clear conditions in Yuba-Sutter.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Related Posts

No related posts.