Partial solar eclipse, Perseid meteors in New Hampshire skies this week
MANCHESTER, N.H. —
Granite Staters can look to the skies this week to catch a partial solar eclipse and a spectacular meteor shower.
Anyone who has eclipse glasses handy can see a bite being taken out of the sun on Wednesday afternoon.
People in parts of Europe will be able to see a total solar eclipse, but in New Hampshire, only about 16-20% of the sun will be covered by the passing moon.
That means there won’t be any real noticeable difference in the sunlight Wednesday unless you use special glasses or another method, such as a pinhole projector, to see the partial eclipse.
The partial eclipse will start just before 1 p.m. in New Hampshire and reach its maximum point at 1:50 p.m. to 1:54 p.m., depending on your location. It ends at about 2:45 p.m.
Because the eclipse is only partial, it will remain unsafe to look at the sun without protection. Many people still have eclipse glasses from the last two total eclipses that crossed the United States in recent years. It’s important to check those glasses for any damage before using them. If they have any tears, scratches or folds in the lenses, they shouldn’t be used.
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PERSEID METEOR SHOWER
The Perseid meteor shower peaks overnight Wednesday into Thursday, and it should be a great night of viewing if the skies remain clear.
The peak coincides with a new moon, which earlier eclipsed the sun. That means there will be no moonlight to interfere with the meteor shower.
For best viewing, find an open, dark location away from city lights. Meteors can be seen across the sky, and there should be dozens of meteors an hour.
Clouds could be an issue. Some clouds are expected at around 11 p.m., with partly cloudy skies at around 2 a.m. Skies will be clearer toward dawn.
Perseid meteors can be seen in the days before and after the peak, as well.
