Safe eclipse viewing to take place Thursday in Carson City

Those interested in watching the partial solar eclipse expected Thursday may do so safely at viewing parties scheduled at Carson High School and Western Nevada College.

“They will be able to get a close-up view of the sun,” said astronomy teacher Jim Bean. “It will be unfiltered so they can look at it safely. It will be cool.”

Bean said he will have filtered telescopes on the front lawn of the high school from noon-4:45 p.m.

“I’ll be out there with students talking to the public,” he said.

Volunteers will be at the Jack C. Davis observatory from 1:20-4:45 p.m. as well as on the college’s campus with telescopes to see the eclipse.

According to weather.com, a portion of the sun will be blocked by the moon during the eclipse.

“EarthSky explains that a solar eclipse is caused by the new moon passing between the Earth and the sun. In the case of a partial solar eclipse, the moon is not quite close enough to the Earth to create a full eclipse and only appears to take a bite out of the sun.”

Bean warned that viewers should not try watching the eclipse with the naked eye, or even with sunglasses.

“The sun will still hurt your eyes,” he said.

Bean said his students will act as heavenly ambassadors, explaining the mysteries of the sky.

“This is a partnership with the community,” he said. “This is a great way for us to give back to the community.”