North Americans are in for a treat this week. On Thursday, the moon is set to partially block out the sun and provide an afternoon show, known as a partial solar eclipse.
Almost all of North America, expect for sections of eastern Canada and the northeastern-most U.S. will be able to see the eclipse, according to Space.com.
A solar eclipse is caused by the new moon passing between the Earth and the sun, according to EarthSky. In the case of a partial solar eclipse, the moon isn't quite close enough to the Earth to make a full eclipse and only appears to take a chunk out of the sun.
A partial solar eclipse is different from any other solar eclipse, since the moon positions itself in a way to project a ring of sunlight to viewers on Earth.
A viewer's position on Earth affects the appearance of the eclipse, according to Space.com. This explains why the Oct. 23 partial eclipse is only visible to those in North America.
The eclipse should begin around 5:51 p.m. Eastern Time and reach its greatest eclipse by 6:08 p.m., according to Space.com.
Observations can be made with the naked eye, telescopes, or binoculars of any size. Instruments and eyes should be protected by special filters however from the intense light and heat of the focused solar rays.
Watching the eclipse under a leafy tree wouldn't hurt, where the overlapping leaves will create pinholes and reflect the light in unique fashion.
Click here for local circumstances and eclipse times for the U.S.
Information for a number of cities in Canada and Mexico can be found here.
The next total solar eclipse visible from the U.S. will take place in Aug. 21, 2017. At least 48 states will be able to see the first total eclipse of the sun in the U.S. in nearly four decades.
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