Austria to see partial solar eclipse before Perseid peak

Austria will see a partial solar eclipse on Wednesday evening, with the Moon covering between 84 and 89 percent of the Sun, ORF reported. The eclipse will begin at about 7.20pm, depending on the location, and reach its peak around sunset at about 8.15pm.

While a total eclipse will be visible in parts of Spain and Iceland, the light in Austria will become noticeably dimmer, said Gerhard Kermer, chairman of the Antares association, which runs the Lower Austria public observatory in Michelbach in the St Pölten district.

Protective glasses are essential

Anyone watching the eclipse must use suitable eclipse glasses. Looking directly at the Sun with the naked eye, or through a telescope, can cause permanent eye damage even when most of the Sun is covered. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection.

People using old eclipse glasses should check them for damage and discard them if they find even the smallest defect, Kermer said. A clear and preferably low view towards the west will also be important. The current forecast points to good viewing conditions.

Observatories offer viewing events

Several observatories and other facilities in Lower Austria are inviting the public to observe the eclipse together. They include the Astronomical Centre Martinsberg in the Zwettl district, where registration is requested; the Lower Austria public observatory in Michelbach; the Franz Kroller Observatory in Traiskirchen in the Baden district; and the VISTA Science Experience Center in Klosterneuburg in the Tulln district, as part of the event Cosmic Hours. From Eclipse to Starlight.

The European Space Agency will also stream the eclipse from the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory in Teruel, Spain.

Perseid meteor shower follows

The Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak during the night into Thursday. Under ideal conditions, up to 100 meteors an hour may be visible, with the best chances coming after midnight. No telescope or binoculars are needed.

A dark location outside towns and away from street lighting and other light pollution is best. Kermer recommends lying on a deck chair or in a meadow and looking up at the sky. The new Moon will provide additional favourable conditions.