Viewing For The Partial Solar Eclipse At Sunrise Thursday Morning

A solar eclipse of sorts will be in progress at sunrise on Thursday morning. This will be a rare and special event, but will it be worth waking up early to view?

The problem may be the weather. A quick look below suggests we still may have some lucky breaks in the clouds across our region. But I also have included a video player to watch it all right her on this page.

Having a partial solar eclipse occur at sunrise can provide the best opportunity to view it. The angle through the longer length of the atmosphere helps enhance the impression of a crescent sun. It’s still strongly encouraged to use eye protection.

What could it look like?

The last time we had an event like this was on November 4, 2013. This view was captured by Ricky Matthews. The coverage of the moon in front of the sun this time will be even more impressive.

Expected View This Time In Baltimore: 70% Coverage

When: Sunrise is 5:39 AM

Peak Eclipse : 5:47 AM

Ending: 6:29 AM

Weather:

Cloud Forecast

A backdoor cold front will be moving through the region. It has been responsible for the storm increasing today and more Thursday afternoon. The debate is if there will be some breaks in the clouds Thursday morning.

Here is the HRRR show range model forecast for cloud cover percentage at 6 AM Thursday. It is not perfect, but does suggest some cloud breaks.

What you will need is just a break over the northeastern horizon between 5:39 AM and 6:29 AM.

Satellite Loop

UPDATED Thursday Morning

Through 5:11 AM, we can see clearing over much of the areas better than expected.

Some clouds do linger over the beaches and southern Maryland.

Live Stream Video

Coverage Begins at 5 AM EDT

Solar Eclipse Anatomy

Total Solar Eclipse

The path of the moon lines up perfectly to cast its shadow on Earth. Most orbits, the line up places the shadow in space and we do not see it.

Annular Eclipse

Here is the down side of the Supermoon we have had lately. This is when only part of the sun is blocked by the moon. While the moon is closer to the Earth when full, it is farthest away and smaller when ‘new’. So it is just beyond the ability to completely block the sun.

Partial Eclipse (this is what we are expecting)

In our region, we will be in the path of part of the sun being covered. It will rise similar to the shape of a crescent moon, just a lot brighter.

Next Total Solar Solar Eclipse

April 8, 2024: Here is the path. My two city picks are Dallas and Cleveland. My goal is to make plans for two locations and then head to the one with the better weather forecast that day.

Sunshine State Of Mind

I am done with the cold and snow (for the season). I am embracing my wife’s mantra of Sunshine State of Mind.

This was designed by Shannon Berk and we will be wearing it through spring and to the beach.

Double Benefit: Proceeds will be split between our nonprofit Just In Power Kids and the development of my new weather website. That has been scheduled to be ready to launch in May.