On Monday, the United States will experience a solar eclipse that will cross North America. Although Colorado is not in the path of totality, it will still witness some darkness. The total solar eclipse will be visible along a narrow track stretching from Texas to Maine, according to NASA.
The Department of Physics and Energy Science at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs provided insight into what the state can expect to see. Senior Instructor Professor Sam Milazzo explained that when the moon passes directly in front of the sun, it creates a solar eclipse. In Colorado Springs, about 60-65 percent of the sun will be blocked by the moon during this eclipse, which is less than the totality seen during the 2017 solar eclipse.
In Denver, the eclipse is expected to begin around 11:28 a.m., reach its peak around 12:39 p.m., and end just before 2 p.m., on Monday. Professor Milazzo advised people to look for sharp shadows created by the partially blocked sun during this event. However, experts warn that even though the sun will be dimmer during an eclipse, it is still harmful to look directly at it without proper eye protection.
NASA recommends using glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard for safe viewing of the eclipse. Regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing the sun during an eclipse. Alternatively, you can create a homemade viewing device for this event. KKTV will provide all-day coverage of Monday’s eclipse online, on social media and on air.
Overall, while Colorado may not be in full path of totality during this solar eclipse event, there are still ways for residents to experience and view this unique astronomical phenomenon safely through proper eye protection or homemade devices while looking out for sharp shadows created by partially blocked sun rays in Denver and other cities along its path.
