RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A solar eclipse may be visible throughout many parts of the U.S. in mid-October, but will Virginia residents be able to see it?
During a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun’s light in some areas.
On Saturday, Oct. 14, an annual solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the United States, Mexico, and many countries in South and Central America, according to NASA.
A graphic on the NASA’s website shows that the path of the eclipse where viewers should see a near full-eclipse will begin in Oregon and end in Texas.
Due to the state’s position, most Virginians may see a partial eclipse, with most residents seeing between 30% and 40% of coverage of the sun from the moon’s shadow.
Like all celestial events, visibility will depend on both weather conditions and the amount of nearby light pollution.
Virginians have access to the following state parks designated as International Dark Sky Parks, which may provide a clearer view of the partial eclipse:
- Staunton River State Park, located at 1170 Staunton Trail in Scottsburg
- James River State Park, located at 104 Green Hill Dr. in Gladstone
- Natural Bridge State Park, located at 6477 South Lee Highway in Natural Bridge
- Sky Meadows State Park, located at 11012 Edmonds Ln. in Delaplane
