Partial Solar Eclipse Visible in South Africa Today – Feb 17 | SANSA Livestream & Safety Tips
- Skywatchers across South Africa are in for a rare celestial treat today, February 17, as a partial solar eclipse becomes visible during the afternoon.
- A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun but doesn’t align perfectly, resulting in only a portion of the Sun being...
- While a full annular eclipse – often described as a “ring of fire” – will only be visible from remote regions of Antarctica, observers in South Africa will...
Partial Solar Eclipse to Grace South African Skies Today
Skywatchers across South Africa are in for a rare celestial treat today, , as a partial solar eclipse becomes visible during the afternoon. The event promises a captivating display as the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow over parts of the country.
A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun but doesn’t align perfectly, resulting in only a portion of the Sun being obscured. This creates the appearance of a “bite” taken out of the Sun as the Moon’s outer shadow, known as the penumbra, falls on Earth.
While a full annular eclipse – often described as a “ring of fire” – will only be visible from remote regions of Antarctica, observers in South Africa will be able to witness the partial phase. The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) reports that in the Western Cape, the eclipse is expected to reach a maximum coverage of approximately five percent.
Livestreaming the Event
For those eager to experience the eclipse firsthand, SANSA will be livestreaming the event using its newly acquired solar telescope at its Hermanus facility. This telescope is a key component of the SANSA Space Weather Centre’s efforts to enhance solar observation capabilities and monitor activity on the Sun. The livestream can be viewed here.
According to SANSA, the partial eclipse will begin at , reach maximum coverage at , and conclude at , lasting approximately one hour and 23 minutes.
Safety First: Protecting Your Eyes
As with any solar event, safety is paramount. Experts strongly advise against looking directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. Viewing the eclipse without certified eclipse glasses or specialized solar filters can cause serious and potentially permanent eye damage. Ordinary sunglasses or homemade filters are not sufficient and should not be used.
The livestream provided by SANSA offers a safe and accessible way for viewers to experience the eclipse without risking their eyesight, while also providing a real-time view of the dynamic movements within our solar system.
In other parts of South Africa, the eclipse will be visible with varying degrees of obscuration. Bloemfontein can expect approximately 9.05% coverage, while Durban will see around 16.11% and East London approximately 15.93%. Johannesburg will experience about 7% coverage, according to data from timeanddate.com.
This event marks a rare opportunity for South Africans to witness a celestial phenomenon and appreciate the wonders of the universe. SANSA’s livestream provides a unique chance to observe the eclipse in detail and learn more about our Sun and its influence on Earth.