{"id":295843,"date":"2026-02-17T12:43:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T10:43:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/eikestadnuus\/?p=295843"},"modified":"2026-02-18T14:25:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T12:25:43","slug":"rare-partial-solar-eclipse-to-grace-south-african-skies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/eikestadnuus\/rare-partial-solar-eclipse-to-grace-south-african-skies\/","title":{"rendered":"Rare partial solar eclipse to grace South African skies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nature will put on one of its most mesmerising shows tonight as a partial solar eclipse becomes visible across large parts of our beautiful country. This rare astronomical event promises to be a captivating experience that reminds us of the incredible dance happening in our solar system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During this celestial performance, the moon will pass between earth and the sun, creating what astronomers describe as the moon taking a dramatic “bite” out of the Sun in our afternoon sky. Unlike a total solar eclipse, this partial event occurs when the moon, sun, and earth don’t align in a perfectly straight line, casting only the outer part of the Moon’s shadow (called the penumbra) onto our planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the full eclipse – often dramatically called the “ring of fire” – will only be visible from remote parts of Antarctica, South Africans are in for a treat as we witness this partial spectacle from the comfort of our own backyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perfect timing for afternoon viewing <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cosmic show will unfold over a leisurely\u00a01 hour and 23 minutes<\/strong>, making it perfect for an afternoon break: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

14:01<\/strong>\u00a0– The eclipse begins<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14:23 <\/strong>– Maximum eclipse (approximately 5% solar coverage in the Western Cape)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15:24<\/strong>\u00a0– The eclipse ends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), you won’t need to worry about weather or location. SANSA will be\u00a0streaming the entire eclipse live on YouTube<\/strong>\u00a0using their brand-new solar telescope from their Hermanus facility. This cutting-edge equipment, recently acquired to enhance their Space Weather Centre capabilities, will capture every moment of this dynamic solar system movement in real time. Watch the live stream here:<\/strong>\u00a0https:\/\/youtube.com\/live\/DfwhUn3OKIs?feature=share<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety warning:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never look directly at the Sun during the eclipse\u2014not even for a few seconds! This can cause serious and permanent eye damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safe viewing options include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eclipse glasses with proper solar filters; Special solar viewing equipment; Watching SANSA’s live stream or Using indirect viewing methods <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This partial solar eclipse offers more than just a spectacular view\u2014it’s a powerful reminder of the constant motion and precise mechanics of our solar system. As SANSA demonstrates the capabilities of their new solar telescope, viewers get a front-row seat to witness celestial mechanics in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re a seasoned astronomy enthusiast, a curious student, or simply someone who appreciates nature’s wonders, this eclipse provides a perfect opportunity to pause, look up (safely!), and marvel at the cosmic ballet happening above us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t let this rare opportunity slip by\u2014set your reminders, gather your eclipse glasses, or tune in to SANSA’s live stream. Monday afternoon promises to be anything but ordinary! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Nature will put on one of its most mesmerising shows tonight as a partial solar eclipse becomes visible across large parts of our beautiful country. This rare astronomical event promises 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