The observatory in Heesch is already preparing for a partial solar eclipse on Tuesday: “From 10:30 onwards, we will focus all viewers on the sun.”
“In a partial solar eclipse, the moon moves slightly in front of the sun and the moon’s shadow falls over the earth,” explains the chairman Urijan Poerink of the public observatory in Heesch. “It makes it look like there’s a bite out of the sun. This time it’s about 22 percent of the sun.”
Solar eclipses occur a few times a year, Poerink explains. “But that doesn’t mean we always see them. The moon’s shadow falls somewhere else every time. Tomorrow he will fortunately fall over Europe and then we can observe him.”
Last summer there was also a partial eclipse in the Netherlands, but according to meteorologists from Weerplaza it can take another three years after this.
Poerink expects that the moon will start to pass in front of the sun at eight past eleven. At half past ten volunteers come to fix the telescopes on the sun and set up the cameras. “At least two or three telescopes will be pointed at the sun by 11 a.m. Maybe more, but that depends on how many volunteers come to help. After all, it’s just a working day,” says Poerink.
Coffee is ready
From that moment on, visitors are welcome to come and look through the telescopes. “Everyone is welcome,” Poerink says enthusiastically. “The coffee is ready and all viewers will be on the sun.” These are special solar telescopes, with which you can safely look into the sun to observe the eclipse.