What you need to know about the solar eclipse in Cape Town

Add a partial solar eclipse to your December calendar

If you’re in Cape Town on 14 December 2020, you’ll be able to observe a partial solar eclipse for the first time  since 2017. While we’ll only be able to see a partial solar eclipse, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Pucón, Chile. The event where the moon lines up perfectly between Earth and the sun, referred to as “totality”, will last for approximately 126 seconds and will be available to the world via live stream. 

WHAT TIME IS THE 2020 SOLAR ECLIPSE IN CAPE TOWN?
The partial solar eclipse in Cape Town will last for one hour and one minute starting at 6:51pm. The visible partial eclipse will reach its peak at 7:43pm creating a crescent shape out of the sun. It will end 10 minutes later at 7:53pm when the sun sets in its partially eclipsed state.

WHERE TO WATCH THE PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE IN CAPE TOWN? 
Since the solar eclipse will be happening during the later part of the evening, we suggest heading to your favourite sunset spot to really take it in. You can hike Lion’s Head or Kloof Corner Ridge, drive up Signal Hill, or grab your swimming costume and picnic blanket, and head out to Camps Bay and Bloubergstrand beaches for a seaside viewing experience.

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS FOR SOLAR ECLIPSES
Never look directly at the sun without adequate protection, even during a partial eclipse. It will do permanent damage to your eyes. Please make sure that you get your hands on a pair of ISO-certified eclipse glasses so that you can safely watch the event.

By Cassidy Emmanuel

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Plan a sunset hike to view the eclipse with these hiking routes.

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