Annular Eclipse Happening Saturday, October 14—Check With Your Local Library For Viewing Glasses

The day the sun disappears...well, the sun may not be disappearing on Saturday, October 14, 2023, but it will be eclipsed by the moon.

This will be an annular eclipse which will only cover part of the sun. In Birmingham, the eclipse will start around 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and end sometime between 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. The maximum coverage will take place around 12:08 p.m.

For more details on when the eclipses will happen, click here.

How can I view it?

You need special glasses to view the solar eclipse because staring at the sun (even covered) will damage your eyes. The Birmingham Public Library has a limited number of solar eclipse glasses at all their locations available for City of Birmingham residents only. Currently, libraries are giving 1 to 4 pairs of glasses per family. However, the total number varies at each library branch. For those who live outside of the City of Birmingham, please reach out to your local library to see if they have glasses.

What do I need to know about the glasses?

You must wear verified ISO 12312-2 filtered glasses at all times when looking at the sun directly or during the eclipse. The glasses should have that verification listed on the glasses. If you remove them during viewing and look at the sun, you can damage your eyes.
Nothing else is safe to view with even if you heard differently. Do not used smoked glasses or sunglasses!
Before viewing, make sure that the black plastic is not broken or scratched. Do NOT use if it is.
Make sure no other light but the sun is able to bleed through. If you can see anything but the sun, stop using it immediately.
Make sure that they fit properly and will not fall off. It is recommended to use the half plate mask for children. Always check children's glasses for proper use.
Never look at the sun directly through binoculars or a telescope or any similar items even when wearing the glasses. They strengthen the light of the sun and can still damage your eyes.
The only other way to view the eclipse is to project an image and not view it directly. You can search for this project online or ask your library for information.
Please be aware that you can share glasses on the day of the eclipse, as it moves slowly over the course of a couple of hours. 3–4 people can use the same set. However, if you do not have the glasses, return to rule one.

Other things to know

Because the sun will be covered, it will be darker during the listed times. S.E.A.L. recommends not driving at least 30 minutes before and after the maximum coverage period.
There will be another eclipse on Monday, April 8. If possible, try to safely keep your glasses for that event.