A partial eclipse of the sun will happen today, Oct. 23, and be visible from Columbia. It will begin at 4:40 p.m. as the moon passes in front of the sun, when the eclipse will resemble a bite out of the sun’s upper right hemisphere. The spectacle will proceed until 5:45 p.m., when the sun will look like a crescent lying on its back.
But don’t look at it. You’ll hurt your eyes.
For the full experience of this wonder, all are invited to visit Laws Observatory in the Physics Building. Angela Speck, professor of astrophysics and director of astronomy in the College of Arts and Science, will be on hand to explain the eclipse, hand out protective eyewear and offer visitors views through telescopes fitted with a solar filter.
Speck warns that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye or even wearing sunglasses can cause eye damage.