Welcome to the SEE Science Center's Solar Eclipse Resource Page.
Partial Eclipse Viewing
The SEE science Center will be hosting viewing events for the partial solar eclipses visible in Manchester NH on both Oct. 14, 2023 and April 8, 2024. Manchester, NH will not experience a total eclipse in either 2023 or 2024. Eye protection is needed at all times when viewing a partial eclipse. More details will be available here in the months prior to the events.
What is a Solar Eclipse:
A solar eclipse occurs when the earth moon and sun are in alignment and the moon casts a shadow on the earth. When the moon is farther from earth we get an annular eclipse, when the moon is closer to earth we have a total eclipse. If you are not in the direct shadow of the eclipse you can see a partial eclipse.
Try this activity from the Lawrence Hall of Science at home to help your family understand how a solar eclipse works.
Annular or 'ring of fire' eclipse through solar Filter.
Eye protection needed at all times.
Total Solar eclipse.
Visible for a short time in specific locations along the path of the moon's shadow.
Partial solar eclipse through a solar filter.
Eye protection is needed at all times.
Solar viewing glasses are now available for purchase on site in the SEE Science Center’s gift shop. The glasses are ISO certified and made in the U.S.A.
Safety First
You cannot look directly at the Sun without damaging your eyesight – even 1% of the Sun’s light is dangerous. To safely view the Sun, you can use ISO certified solar filters like these glasses. These glasses block 99.99% of the Sun’s light, and are thousands of times darker than any sunglasses. They can be used for up to 3 minutes of continuous direct solar viewing.
You can also safely view the Sun indirectly by creating a projected image. This is a cheap and easy way to view an eclipse. Use the instructions and practice on any sunny day.
On two upcoming dates everyone in U.S. will be able to see at least a partial eclipse, if weather permits.
Oct. 14, 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse
The Moon will be too far away from Earth to completely block out the Sun. People who are in the direct path of the Moon’s shadow will see a ‘ring of fire’. New Hampshire will experience a partial eclipse on this date. No one will be able to view this eclipse anywhere at anytime without eye protection. Find all the details about the Oct. 14 eclipse here.
April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
The moon will be close enough to the earth to completely block out the sun casting a total shadow across a path called the “path of totality”. This area averages just over 100 miles wide. In the path of totality, for a short period of time, it will be completely dark. Find the details for the April 8, 2024 eclipse here. The path of totality will cross the very northern most part of NH. Learn more about the eclipse in New Hampshire here.
In Manchester, NH we will have a partial eclipse that will cover 95.4% of the sun. Eye protection is always needed to view a partial eclipse.
Be prepared - Know what to expect – Practice
Make plans for where you will be on eclipse day. Know how to protect your eyes and those in your group.
Watch a simulation for your location. Understand what type of eclipse you will be able to see. If you will be in the path of totality, know at what time and for how long the total eclipse will occur and expect traffic and crowds and use caution.
Practice viewing the Sun safely any day and see how fast the Sun moves across the sky. Buy and practice using certified eclipse glasses, at intervals for at most 3 minutes of continuous viewing. Try making a projected image for indirect viewing.