The countdown is on to this Saturday's big solar event.

The sun, the moon, and the earth are getting ready to put on another little cosmic performance in outer space in just a few days that will result in an eclipse.

This next solar event is set for Saturday morning (October 14), 2023.

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According to GreatAmericanEclipse.com, another annular eclipse is set to take place across the United States from Oregon to Texas this Saturday. That will be the optimal viewing area here in the U.S. The rest of North America can look forward to a partial solar eclipse. We're expected to be treated to 50% to nearly 60% of the solar eclipse here in the Sioux Empire and throughout South Dakota.

Now, when it comes to viewing this Saturday's solar event, a person really needs to be careful. You certainly cannot view it with the naked eye, and slapping on a pair of Rayban's to take a peek isn't going to work either.

Those wishing to view Saturday's eclipse will need to purchase special solar eclipse glasses like the ones pictured below.

GreatAmericanEclipse.com

Pinhole projection is also another safe measure for viewing solar events like eclipses.

You are going to want to think twice about trying to take a pic of the eclipse with your smartphone or camera. Those hoping to photograph the event will need a Baader solar film or other solar filters. Failure to use the proper filters could result in damage to your camera's CCD chip or your cell phone sensor. The last thing you want to do is toast out your brand-new iPhone 15, right?

Here's another very important thing to remember, you should never attempt to use eclipse glasses or solar filters over the eyepiece of a telescope or a set of binoculars. Severe eye damage can and will more than likely result if safe solar event viewing practices are not followed.

You can read all about the acceptable methods of solar event viewing here.

What's the best time to view this Saturday's eclipse?

Here in the Sioux Empire, it looks like it will be right around 10:17 AM Central Time.

Happy viewing. And don't forget the next big solar event here in North America is planned for( April 8) 2024. That's the day we get treated to a total solar eclipse. The duration of that event should last around 4 minutes and 27 seconds.

Those in the know promise it will be another breath-taking sight to see.

Source: Great American Eclipse.com

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If you're new to South Dakota here is a sort of translation guide for some odd things you may see or hear.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

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But, I want to talk about scientists. The super scientists that South Dakota has produced. Here are four that were born in South Dakota. Their work was important to nuclear physics, computer science, and agriculture; and affects us to this day.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns