Clouds could spoil celestial event

Summerland-area residents won't be in total darkness, Monday, during the solar eclipse.

Mark Urwiller, director of Honey Creek Observatory, in O'Neill, said the eclipse will have 70% coverage in this area.

Areas in southeast Nebraska, as well as the Omaha metro area, may have up to 85% coverage.

According to National Weather Service officials, partly-cloudy skies may play spoiler for the April 8 celestial event. The region has a 50 to 60% chance of cloud cover.

While a total eclipse will cut a diagonal path from the Pacific Ocean to Maine, locals will see a partial solar eclipse, meaning the moon's shadow will block part of the sun, with the sun appearing to have a bite taken out of it.

The eclipse will begin at 12:39 p.m., with maximum coverage at 1:52 p.m. By 3:06 p.m., the sun and moon will be no longer cross paths.

Solar viewing glasses should be used, according to Urwiller.

"It is not safe to look at the partially eclipsed sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, sunglasses or any other optical device, even while wearing eclipse glasses, as the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury," NWS personal said.

The next solar eclipse will occur in the U.S. on Aug. 23, 2044.