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Partial solar eclipse Thursday

Posted at 5:09 PM, Oct 20, 2014
and last updated 2014-10-20 17:09:39-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It looks like the weather will cooperate for a partial eclipse of the sun late Thursday afternoon.

The eclipse begins at around 5:37pm and peaks around 6:47pm. Unfortunately, the sunset is also at 6:47, so the eclipse will be in progress as the sun sets.

The sun will be a little over 50% eclipsed as it sets on Thursday. Parts of Canada will have a nearly total eclipse, while areas to the south will have much less coverage.

It is never a good idea to look at the sun. A better way to view the eclipse is through what is called a “pinhole projection.” Here’s an example of how this works, courtesy of Sky and Telescope magazine:

More on this eclipse in coming days. For the latest forecast for the eclipse, join us on FOX 17 News or visit the weather page at http://www.fox17online.com/weather