Viewing the 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse with Kids
If you’ve got young kids, you might have a lot of questions about this weekend’s eclipse. Here’s a starting point for you.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow over parts of Earth and blocking the face of the Sun for observers in those locations.
Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
What is an annular solar eclipse?
According to NASA’s website, an annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover the Sun. As a result, the Moon appears as a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk, creating what looks like a ring around the Moon.
Will your child have follow up questions and want an in depth answer? Here’s a good site to visit with lots diagrams and photos.
How do we view it safely?
You have to have special eclipse viewing glasses. No sunglasses will provide protection. Several local libraries are offering free eclipse glasses. Local stores are carrying them also. They were $2-3 per pair. Amazon and online retailers also stock them if you can order in time to arrive.
But what do you do if you have a toddler or young child that might not look through the lenses? In addition to their glasses, you’re going to need a paper plate and some scissors and maybe a rubber band or string to secure snugly. Here are the directions we are following for our toddler’s safety plate/glasses. This site also has a lot of solar eclipse info and lesson plans for children.
If you couldn’t get a pair of eclipse glasses, there’s still a way to view it safely using a pin hole camera. Here are the instructions to make one.
What time will it happen?
In Medford, Oregon on Saturday October 14, it:
Begins at 8:05 AM
Peaks at 9:18 AM (Annularity will last 1 minute 7 seconds)
Ends 10:40 AM
Total event time 2hr 35min
What will it look like?
Once the eclipse begins, you’ll see the moon move across our view of the sun. At its peak, the ring of fire will occur where the moon is centered in the view of the sun and only a thin ring of light is visible. Read about Diamond Ring Effect and Baily’s Beads. The moon will continue to move across the view of the sun until the end of the eclipse. Aside from the ring of fire, a couple of other neat phenomena occur. While you’re waiting for the peak, go check out the shadows under trees. You’ll see crescent shaped light shining on the ground. It’s not shadows- it is the crescent shaped sunlight projecting through. This is the same principle as a pin hole camera. The other noteworthy moment occurs just prior to the peak. All the daytime noises you normally hear will quieten down, and all the sounds you associate with dusk like crickets chirping will suddenly begin.
Where can we view it from?
View our list of best kid friendly solar eclipse viewing parties
When is the next solar eclipse?
The next solar eclipse viewable from Oregon will happen April 9, 2043. Which means there’s a reasonable chance your children might be sharing the next one with their own kids. And hopefully fondly remembering when they saw this one with you.