A total solar eclipse is set to take place Sunday afternoon. The totaleclipse will pass over only a small percentage of the Earth's population, andthe weather threatens to reduce the number of people that will be able to seethe spectacular sight further.The total solar eclipse is set for Sunday afternoon EDT when the moon will passbetween the sun and the Earth. To be more precise, the greatest moment of theeclipse will occur at 3:33 p.m. EDT.
Sunday's eclipse will not be viewed by many people. No one in the United Stateswill be able to see this natural phenomenon. Instead, the eclipse will happenover the southern Pacific Ocean, passing over a limited number of islands andlucky cruise ships.
Those in the path of the total solar eclipse are the southern Cook Islands,French Polynesia and Easter Island. NASA expects the eclipse to end over thesouthern tip of South America.
Nearly all of the southern Pacific Ocean, as well as South American residentsfrom Argentina to southern Peru are in line to view at least a partialeclipse.
While only a small percentage of the Earth's population lies in the path ofthe total eclipse, the weather threatens to reduce the number of people thatwill be dazzled by the show further.
Patchy clouds may hinder the vantage point of those on the Cook Islands andFrench Polynesia. Numerous clouds may totally block out the eclipse on thesouthern tip of South America and Easter Island.
Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the eclipse are reminded of thedangers associated with looking directly at the sun. NASA states that the onlytime the sun can be viewed safely with the naked eye is during a complete totaleclipse. Even if the moon covers 99 percent of the sun, the rays of theremaining one percent are enough to burn the retina of the eye.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski
