Solar eclipse and shooting stars: Natural spectacles over NRW

Residents of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) are in for a celestial treat as a partial solar eclipse is set to grace the region's skies on August 12. The event, described as a rare natural phenomenon, will occur just as the sun begins to set.

“

In NRW, the eclipse will begin depending on the location from around 7:15 p.m., it will reach its peak at 8:10 p.m. and end shortly before 9 p.m. – then the sun will disappear behind the horizon.

According to Nicole Sehring, an environmental educator at the Bochum Observatory, the eclipse will begin around 7:15 PM local time in NRW, reaching its peak at 8:10 PM. The sun will be significantly obscured, with the moon covering 85 to 90 percent of its disk depending on the specific location within NRW. The eclipse will conclude shortly before 9:00 PM, as the sun dips below the horizon.

“

According to the forecast of the German Weather Service (DWD), initial assessments for the coming week look good. With presumably summery temperatures between 28 and 31 degrees and only a few clouds, the partial solar eclipse could be seen well.

Adding to the night's spectacle, a Perseid meteor shower is anticipated to follow the solar eclipse. Sehring expects a high number of shooting stars, providing another opportunity for skygazers. Initial weather forecasts from the German Weather Service (DWD) suggest favorable conditions, with summer temperatures between 28 and 31 degrees Celsius and minimal cloud cover, potentially allowing for excellent viewing of both the eclipse and the meteor shower.

“

During the solar eclipse on Wednesday, the sun will already be very low, says Sehring. A clear view to the horizon in the northwest is therefore crucial. A single tree or a house already obstructs the view. 'It is best to look for a hill or a place with a free horizon,' recommends the educator.

For optimal viewing of the eclipse, Sehring advises finding a location with a clear view of the horizon, particularly to the northwest, as the sun will be low in the sky. Elevated positions or open areas, such as the slag heaps common in the Ruhr area, are recommended. Several public events are also being organized across NRW, including at observatories in Aachen, Bochum, Bonn, Duisburg, Cologne, and Mönchengladbach, offering guided observations and educational programs for the public. However, attendees are reminded that special protective eyewear is essential for safely viewing the solar eclipse.

“

Special protective eyewear is a must. Looking into the sky also harbors dangers.