This Sunday there is going to be an annular solar eclipse, an event that takes place only once every 50 years, and it just so happens that it is going to be best viewed from none other than Reno, NV. While most of the US will witness only a a partial eclipse, a small strip starting at the Oregon/California border heading East/Southeast and ending over Texas will bare witness to a complete annular solar eclipse.
Details:
- Start time – 6:31 PM
- Duration – 4 minutes, 16 seconds
- Cities best viewed from – Reno, NV; Redding, CA; Eureka, CA
So what exactly is an annular solar eclipse anyway?
- Sun and moon are directly in line
- Apparent size of moon is smaller than the sun, creating a vivid ring of fire around the border
- Viewed from Reno the eclipse will appear to be a near total eclipse, only a small ring will be visible bordering the moon
- An animation of the projected eclipse
Pay attention to the shadows during this event, apparently the trees will likely cast odd ring shaped shadows on the ground.  If you are hoping to photograph the eclipse, look into a Solar Filter to protect both your eyes and your camera. And bare in mind, despite the blocking of the sun the rays will still be just as intense. Do not stare directly into the sun!!!