Where to Travel for a Front-Row Seat to August's Eclipse
Mark your calendar for a partial solar eclipse, set to unfold across parts of North America in August. Here is a look at what spots in the U.S. will enjoy the best views of this much-anticipated astronomical event.
Best Partial Eclipse Viewing Spots in Maine and Alaska
The moon's shadow will pass over Greenland, Iceland, and Spain on August 12, creating a total solar eclipse for these chosen few areas. While the full eclipse will not be visible in North America, two states in the U.S. will be in the path of a partial solar eclipse/ Up to 43% of the sun will be hidden during the peak of the eclipse in this part of the world.
Alaska will be the best place in the U.S. to catch the eclipse, as the moon will cover more of the sun than anywhere else in the country. However, the catch is that the event will unfold from about 7:34 am to 9:31 am AKDT. This means that onlookers will need to be outside early to see the wonder. In addition, the state is known to experience significant cloud cover this time of the year, potentially obscuring the view.
The remote community of Nome will be the site of the deepest partial eclipse of any U.S. city. Almost half of the sun will be covered during the peak of the eclipse. However, its remote location makes it more challenging to access. A better choice for viewing might be the city of Fairbanks, coming in at 36.86% obscuration. The even more accessible metro area of Anchorage will offer 27.86% obscuration.
Maine is the other state in the U.S. where the eclipse will be visible. While this state will only offer a maximum of 28% obscuration, the event will happen on a Wednesday afternoon when more people will likely be out to enjoy the moment. The partial eclipse in the Pine Tree State will happen between 12:47 pm and 2:52 pm.
The community of Presque Isle tops the list of Maine viewing locations with 28.26% obscuration. Additionally, the area also boasts the best average cloud cover of any of the potential spots, raising the odds that you will get clear conditions. A more convenient and accessible spot to check out the eclipse may be in the larger city of Bangor, featuring 23.63% obscuration. Portland, the largest metro area in the state, will come in with 19.45% obscuration.
Remember that it is never safe to look at a polar solar eclipse with the naked eye. Be sure to use certified eclipse glasses if you want to look directly at the sun.
Peak Night of Perseid Meteor Shower - Doubleheader of Astronomical Events
While you are at it, be sure to stick around for the after-dark event when the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak on the night of August 12 and into the early morning hours. The pairing of the partial solar eclipse with the Perseids marks a rare occasion when one single day delivers two major astronomical events.
The Perseids are distinguished for being one of the best meteor showers of the year, generating up to 100 shooting stars per hour at times. The peak of the action usually happens well after midnight as the radiant point climbs in the northeastern night skies. The remote areas of Alaska and Maine will offer superior viewing conditions, making this a great doubleheader of astronomical events over a period of less than 24 hours.
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