eclipse

Port Huron Eclipse Viewing Timeline

What is a Solar Eclipse?

The total phase of the solar eclipse is not visible in Port Huron, but it can be observed as a partial solar eclipse. The Moon covers a large portion of the Sun, so it will be a spectacular sight!

Solar eclipses occur when the Sun, the Moon and Earth are aligned in a perfect or near-perfect straight line – an alignment astronomers call syzygy – with the Moon between the Sun and the Earth so that the Moon blocks out the Sun’s rays and casts a shadow on parts of Earth. This alignment happens when the Moon is in a New Moon phase, the Moon is at a lunar node, and the Sun is close to the lunar node (so it can form a perfect or near-perfect line with the Moon and Earth).

Although the Sun is 400 times larger than the Moon, it is 400 times farther away, so the size of the Sun and the Moon in the sky appear the same. In the rare and spectacular events when their paths cross, the moon appears to cover the sun. The Moon’s shadow is always limited to a certain area. The area of Earth that is in the shadow of the Moon changes during the course of the eclipse because the Moon and Earth are in constant motion: Earth continuously rotates around its axis while it orbits the Sun, and the Moon continuously orbits the Earth.

Come to SC4’s Solar Eclipse event to learn more and be part of this memorable event.

Instructor of Physics/Astronomy Patrick Wilcox said, “Witnessing a solar eclipse from your hometown is memorable for all. The dramatic change in our relatively constant surroundings causes one to think and wonder about the universe. That curiosity sticks with us, every time we recall the event.” The next near-total solar eclipse visible in Port Huron will be in 2099.

Read the full news release

Free eclipse glasses available

Warning —  Protect your eyes

Never look directly at the sun, eclipsed or otherwise, without any protective eyewear. The Sun’s UV radiation can burn the retinas in your eyes, leading to permanent damage or even blindness. the best way to safely watch a total eclipse is to wear protective eclipse glasses (not ordinary sunglasses) or to protect an image of the eclipsed Sun using a pinhole projector.

How to Make a Pinhole Camera