You might be like, meh, what's so cool about a partial solar eclipse? Also, what even is it?

Well, a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in front of the sun. It temporarily blocks the suns rays and casts a shadow on the earth. So basically, it looks pretty freaking cool! Also this is the last eclipse of 2014; and a full solar eclipse will not happen again until August 2017!

So get out that protective eye-wear and prepare for a show. But when and where can you see the eclipse in West Michigan?


 

Today’s eclipse will begin around 5:30pm in West Michigan and end at sunset, around 6:45 p.m.

The Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association will host a free viewing party on the top of Grand Rapids Public Museum’s parking ramp beginning at 5:00 pm.

In Grand Haven, the solar eclipse may be safely viewed at Grand Haven State Beach thanks to White Pines Planetarium and Boy Scout Troop 246. They have prepared projectors which make viewing the eclipse safe. The projectors will be free to use at Grand Haven State Beach starting at 5:30 pm.

If you can't make it to one of the safe viewing parties, don't forget to protect your eyes! WZZM-13 has some suggestions in the video above.

If you'd rather stay inside, you can check out the partial eclipse online too. The Griffith Observatory in California will live stream it.

 

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