A celestial rarity is making its way towards Houston. This Saturday, an annular solar eclipse will be a spectacle for everyone in the area to see. At 10:27 a.m. the moon will start to cover up part of the sun until 1:38 p.m. With the eclipse peaking at 11:58 a.m.  

The annular solar eclipse is different from a total eclipse. In an annular eclipse the moon is further out on its orbit- appearing smaller than the sun. As a result, when the moon crosses the sun, it doesn’t cover it completely. Leaving what is known as a “ring of fire,” or “anulus.” 

When viewing the eclipse, it’s important not to observe it with the naked eye. Not even sunglasses are safe for viewing. Certified ISO glasses -or eclipse glasses- are the proper eyewear for the event. Since they are made out of black polymer, they are able to block all visible infrared and ultraviolet light to aid in protection against eye damage. 

Helen Hall Library will hold a viewing of the annular eclipse starting at 11 a.m., where they will provide free glasses to the first 250 spectators.  Space Center Houston is also holding an eclipse viewing party tomorrow at 10 a.m.