ASHEVILLE - This coming Saturday, Oct. 14., an annular solar eclipse will be visible, at least partially, for most of America — that is if the clouds don't get in the way.
Asheville is expected to see roughly half of the eclipse, but will miss out on the "ring of fire" that annular eclipses are known for. The eclipse will likely dim the sky to a similar light level as Mars.
For Asheville, the day is currently projected to be partly sunny, with a chance for morning showers that will ease up into the early afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS is predicting a 30% chance of showers throughout Saturday.
However, even if weather gets in the way, it is likely you might not notice the astronomical event.
"With this level of fractional coverage, I'm not sure if we should expect expect anything," said Britt Lundgren, an assistant professor at UNC Asheville's Department of Physics, referring to the eclipse. "And, if it's cloudy, it's going to be pretty hard to notice."
While it might only be a partial eclipse, it doesn't mean that it's not an important event or won't bring people out to take a look — using protective glasses. Never stare at the sun.
Here's what you need to know before heading outside to view this weekend's eclipse.
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When is the eclipse? Weather outlook for WNC?
If you're worried about weather, we've got you covered.
The partial eclipse is expected to be visible from 11:46 a.m. to 2:42 p.m. Oct. 14 in the Asheville area, according to the Astronomy Club of Asheville. So, if you are projected to see some rain, you might want to think about relocating, or, maybe, calling it quits on the eclipse.
The forecast looks pretty good for Asheville, but there are a variety of different outlooks for other areas of Western North Carolina.
Here's the Oct. 14 forecast for Buncombe and neighboring counties, according to the National Weather Service.
- Buncombe: Partly sunny with a 50% chance of precipitation.
- Henderson: Showers likely before 7 a.m. before clearing up to be partly sunny with a 60% chance of precipitation.
- Haywood: Partly sunny with a 40% chance of precipitation.
- Madison: Partly sunny with a 50% chance of precipitation.
- McDowell: Showers likely before 7 a.m. before clearing up to be partly sunny with a 60% chance of precipitation.
- Rutherford: Cloudy in the morning and gradually becoming sunny with a 40% chance of precipitation.
- Yancey: Showers likely before 7 a.m. before clearing up to be partly sunny with a 60% chance of precipitation.
What's the importance of partial eclipses?
Lundgren, one of three primary astronomy researchers at UNCA's Department of Physics, primarily researches galactic evolution — particularly how galaxies process gas. Though not primarily an eclipse researcher, Lundgren said the utility of using eclipses for research in recent years has waned as technology has improved.
"I would say, for this one, because it's not totality — it's less scientifically useful," Lundgren said. "But in in the days before we had space telescopes that were able to study the sun 24 hours a day, eclipses used to be our only opportunity to really understand what's going on in the corona of the sun and in the photosphere."
While many eclipse researchers will be taking the opportunity to view the effects of totality in other areas of the country, the opportunities for those without scientific instruments are still plentiful.
Lundgren suggested that those interested in seeing a scientific side effect of the eclipse should take interest in leaves, which will act like a pinhole camera and will project a crescent shape onto the ground.
Lundgren also emphasized the impact these astronomical opportunities have.
"These kinds of visceral personal experiences that people can have I think are hugely impactful," Lundgren said. "Not only for young people — where it sometimes can be an event that really changes the course of their academic interests — but people of all ages," Lundgren said.
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Where to view the partial eclipse?
While Asheville may not be within the path of the full eclipse, here are some good locations near Asheville to view the eclipse:
- Take a trip to Leicester Library to view the eclipse and get free eclipse glasses, which are available only Oct. 14.
- Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Mount Pisgah Trailhead to enjoy a hike out to enjoy nature while the eclipse occurs.
- Take a trip to Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Go to see the eclipse at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute — or PARI — for $35 a ticket. The event is all day and includes educational sessions about the eclipse.
If this eclipse is disappointing, another opportunity is coming.
If you miss this eclipse — don't worry. There will be a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, which also blocks the sun from view — just to a greater degree for Asheville.
April's total eclipse will occur from around 2-5 p.m., when the eclipse is expected to cover roughly 85% of the sun's disk in the Asheville area, according to Eclipse2024.
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Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com.
