Partial solar eclipse visible across parts of the United States on Wednesday

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across portions of the United States on Wednesday afternoon, though no area in the country falls within the path of totality, which will cross Iceland and Spain. Regions expected to see at least some coverage include Alaska, parts of the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains, sections of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, much of the Northeast and New England, and portions of the Mid-Atlantic extending southward along the East Coast toward North Carolina. The degree of sun obscuration and the exact timing will vary by location. Observers are advised to use proper eclipse-viewing glasses for the entire duration of the event, as only a portion of the solar disk will be covered.

"During a total solar eclipse, the sky turns dark at peak and people are able to remove eclipse glasses," a science educator explained. "During a partial eclipse, people must use eclipse glasses the entire time."

The eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth align, casting a shadow that partially covers the Sun for viewers within the affected areas.