The interactive map of the Observatoire de Paris-PSL
The LTE, a laboratory at the Observatoire de Paris-PSL responsible for calculating ephemerides, has developed an interactive mapto visualise the Moon’s shadow cast on the Earth. This map provides the precise times of the start and end of the eclipse (called first and last contact respectively), as well as the time of the eclipse maximum and the percentage of the solar disc occulted by the Moon.
By entering your position, you can obtain precise information about the eclipse at your location. Please note : the times are given in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) ; in winter, add +1 h to find the local time.
Observing in complete safety with astrophysicists
As part of the Festival Science Infuze, to be held from 29 to 31 March at Hangar Y (Meudon), the Observatoire de Paris-PSL will be offering a wide range of astronomy-related activities, games, discussions, lectures and book signings. A stand will be specially dedicated to observing the eclipse, with specially adapted instruments. In Meudon, the eclipse will begin at 11h08 (first contact) and end at 12h56 (last contact), with a maximum at 12h01, when 23% of the Sun will be occulted.
It’s the perfect opportunity to observe the eclipse in complete safety, talk to passionate astrophysicists and discover the Observatoire de Paris-PSL, its laboratories and its services.
Watching the eclipse in complete safety
If you can’t make it there, it’s vital to take strict precautions when observing the eclipse. The use of special eclipse glasses (CE standard) is essential. You can also make a density 5 solar filter, allowing 1/100,000th of the Sun’s light to pass through.
An alternative method is to observe the shadow cast by a colander or skimmer on a flat surface : each hole will form an image of the Sun (see photo).
Don’t miss this astronomical event !
