When to view solar eclipse in the central San Joaquin Valley — and how to see it safely
A rare solar eclipse that creates a “ring of fire” illusion will appear over the California skies on Saturday.
The views from Fresno and other parts of the central San Joaquin Valley will be limited to a partial solar eclipse.
Nonetheless, those in the Valley should be able to witness that moment when the moon covers most of the sun.
Be warned, though.
For safety reasons, observers must wear proper eye protections at all times while watching an annular solar eclipse, which is defined as when the moon passes between the sun and earth, while the moon is at its farthest point from the planet.
In Fresno County, there is a way to get solar eclipse glasses for free.
When to watch in Fresno area
In the Fresno area, a max view of the partial solar eclipse will take place at 9:21 a.m. Saturday, according to NASA.
The NASA data also states the eclipse viability from in the Fresno area will lasts from 8:06 a.m. through 10:46 a.m.
To see the “ring of fire,” which is when the moon blocks out most of the sun but leaves the edges visible, the closest location for those in California would be in the rural, small town Alturas — located roughly a 470-mile drive from Fresno in the northeast corner of the state.
The annular solar eclipse is a prelude to a total solar eclipse that will take place April 8, 2024. During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and earth and completely blocks the face of the sun and the skies from the earth darken.
Safety precautions
To safely watch Saturday’s solar eclipse, NASA states to look through safe solar viewing glasses or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times.
Eclipse glasses are not regular glasses and regular glasses — no matter how dark — are not safe for viewing the sun.
Eclipse glasses also are not the same as 3D glasses, though their appearances are somewhat similar.
In addition, NASA states that people do not look at the sun through a camera lense, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses.
If observers don’t wear proper eyewear while watching the moon cover the sun, powerful rays could cause eye damage, especially if gazing at the sun with the naked eye.
Solar eclipse glasses often are readily available in retail stores and online.
The Fresno County Public Library also is giving out solar eclipse glasses for free, but you’ll need to check with your closest library since some locations have run out.
This story was originally published October 13, 2023 at 2:27 PM.
