It won’t be just any Saturday this week, as the Netherlands is set to witness a rare event. On March 29, a partial solar eclipse will be visible - here’s what you need to know to get a glimpse from the Netherlands.
On March 29, the moon will cover part of the sun, resulting in a partial solar eclipse. The partial eclipse will be visible from the Netherlands and the rest of Europe, as well as in Greenland, northwestern Africa and Newfoundland.
A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow over parts of our planet. You have to be in this shadow to see the eclipse. Depending on where you are in this shadow, differing proportions of the sun will appear covered. For example, residents of Greenland see the largest portion of the sun eclipsed by the moon.
The natural phenomenon will take place in the skies above the Netherlands between 11.16am and 1.04pm on Saturday, March 29. The peak of the partial solar eclipse is set to occur at 12.10pm when 25,21 percent of the sun’s surface will be covered by the moon.
To gaze upon the eclipse safely, observe the sun through solar eclipse glasses or a pinhole camera, which you can make at home. Remember to never look into an eclipse with the naked eye or sunglasses, and especially not with a telescope or binoculars. Hopefully, the Dutch weather will cooperate and the sky will remain clear of clouds.