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BY STAR JOURNAL STAFF

An annular solar eclipse will take place Saturday, Oct. 14. In Rhinelander, the eclipse will begin at 10:35 a.m. It will reach its maximum at 11:53 a.m., and end at 1:14 p.m.

An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth while it is at its farthest point from the earth. What can be seen depends on the weather and location from which it is viewed. In Rhinelander, a little less than half the sun will be covered by the moon at the eclipse peak.

Clear skies, of course, are needed for a clear view of the sun and moon. But even with cloudcover, experts say the eerie daytime darkness associated with an eclipse is still noticeable.

As a reminder it is never a good idea to view the sun, even partially covered, without specialized eye protection.

According to NASA, safe solar-viewing glasses or a safe handheld solar viewer must be used at all times. Never look at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer; the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury.

For more information, visit science.nasa.gov.