New Zealand will be treated to a rare sight on Monday morning as the moon appears to take a bite out of the rising sun – the first solar eclipse visible on our shores in more than a decade.
On September 22, a rare partial solar eclipse will be visible at dawn across the country.
Stardome Observatory said the sun will rise while the eclipse was already in progress.
What you need to know about partial solar eclipse over NZ – see more on TVNZ+
Astronomer Josh Aoraki said the partial solar eclipse was so special because just a few countries, including a few Pacific nations, will be able to see it.
“We haven’t seen an eclipse of this magnitude here since 2012, so you won’t want to miss it.”
The sun will appear at dawn as a crescent when it rises, with the moon slowly moving across the sun and blocking more of its light over the next hour.
A clear and view of the eastern horizon at 7am will be the best time to see the eclipse, Aoraki said.
“(The) Eclipse ends just after 8am when the moon will slip clear of the sun’s disc, ending the eclipse.”
The solar eclipse follows a total lunar eclipse earlier this month, when New Zealanders saw the moon slip into Earth’s shadow and turn a deep red hue.
Together, the two eclipses mark one of the busiest months for celestial events in recent years.
The amount of sun covered at the peak of Monday’s eclipse will vary across the country, from around 60% in Auckland to more than 70% in the lower South Island.
In contrast to the total lunar eclipse earlier this month, experts stressed solar eclipses could be dangerous to watch without proper precautions.
“It’s never safe to look directly at the sun without proper protection. You’ll need certified solar viewing glasses. Regular sunglasses are not safe for solar viewing,” Stardome said.
Stardome is holding a free viewing party atop Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill between 6am and 8am if weather allows.
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How much of the sun will be covered for different regions
- 60% in Auckland
- 61% in Tauranga
- 62% in Gisborne
- 63% in New Plymouth
- 66% in Wellington
- 68% in Greymouth
- 69% in Christchurch
- 71% in Queenstown and Dunedin
- 72% in Invercargill
