In this Sunday, May 20, 2012, photo, a partial solar eclipse is seen at The Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, Calif.Just before sunset today, Chattanoogans should be able to witness a partial solar eclipse.
The eclipse should start just before 6 p.m. in Chattanooga, according to timeanddate.com, a website that tracks events like eclipses as seen from different locations.
The eclipse should peak at about 7 p.m., when the sun will be covered closest to the center. However, as the sun sets in Chattanooga around 7 p.m., the peak may only be visible from high vantage points.
An article from NASA advises that to watch the eclipse safely, residents should not stare directly at the sun.
Instead, they advise to create a sort of pinhole projector. Take two pieces of white card stock and punch a hole in one with a thumbtack. Remove the thumbtack, then stand with your back to the sun, and project light from the sun through the hole and onto the second sheet of paper. The eclipse should be visible there, like on a screen. It may take some time to get the angle right.
Much of the United States will be able to witness the partial eclipse today, with the exception of New England and Hawaii.