How, when, and where to see the annular solar eclipse in Winston-Salem
The annular eclipse will be at least partially visible in most of the US. | Photo via NASA/Bill Dunford
For the first time since 2012, what’s known as an annular solar eclipse will occur this Saturday, Oct. 14. It happens when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun when it’s farther away in its orbit. Because the moon appears smaller, it blocks out some, but not all, of the sun’s light — creating what’s known as a “ring of fire” effect.
What will be visible in Winston-Salem?
In Winston-Salem, we will see a partial eclipse — even if it’s cloudy. Prepare for it to be darker for a few hours + you might notice a slight change in temperature. Here’s the timeline:
The eclipse should begin around 11:51 a.m.
It will be darkest around 1:16 p.m. — when 39.6% of the sun will be covered.
It’s never safe to stare directly at the sun. It’s recommended you wear special glasses that are approved for eclipse viewing. If you kept your pair from the total solar eclipse in 2017, make sure they’re still in good condition.
If you want to experience the eclipse from somewhere other than your backyard, head to Kaleideum on West Hanes Mill Road. Members of Forsyth Astronomical Society will have telescopes set up in the amphitheater at the children’s museum from 12 to 2:30 p.m. It’s free to attend with the price of admission.
NASA will also provide a livestream of the event beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
What if you miss it?
The next annular eclipse won’t happen until 2046. This is the first of two rare events we’ll experience in the next few months. A partial solar eclipse will happen on April 8, 2024. That’s when more than 80% of the sun will be covered so keep those eclipse glasses handy.
Asked
Where do you plan to watch the annular eclipse?
A. I’ll be watching from home B. I’ll be with my neighbors at an event in public C. I’ll be watching the livestream D. What annular eclipse?
Wine for Woofs with AARF | Wednesday, Oct. 11 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Medaloni Cellars, 9125 Shallowford Rd., Winston-Salem | $25-$30 | Get special tastings of 10 different wines with a portion of proceeds going to Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation of Winston-Salem.
Cornhole Competition to Toss Breast Cancer | Thursday, Oct. 12 | 4-7 p.m. | Forsyth Plastic Surgery, 2901 Maplewood Ave., Winston-Salem | $50-$250 | Participate individually or as a team in this cornhole tournament to raise money for local women to receive mammograms.
Opening Reception for Oasis Spaces: The North Carolina Green Book Project | Thursday, Oct. 12-Saturday, Nov. 18 | 6:00 p.m. | The Enterprise Center, 1922 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., Winston-Salem | Free | Explore the exhibit dedicated to highlighting businesses that created “oasis spaces” to help Black travelers navigate and enjoy travel between 1936 and 1967.
Natabelles Desserts is now serving sweet treats, including its signature sweet potato brownie, at its new location at 456 Knollwood St. The bakery opens at 11 a.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Tech
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office will be the first in the nation to test if drones can be used effectively to deliver automated external defibrillators (AED) to patients experiencing a heart attack. Duke Clinical Research Institute will partner with the agency for the pilot program funded by the American Heart Association. (Winston-Salem Journal)
Sports
Single game tickets are now on sale for the Carolina Thunderbirds’ 2023-2024 season. The minor league professional hockey team will play their first match at home at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Closed
Allen’s Dairy Treats on Reynolda Road has closed after more than 50 years in business due to the owner’s retirement. The ice cream shop opened as a Dairy Queen franchise in 1969 then became Allen’s 25 years later. (WFMY News 2)
Number
270,190. That’s how many people attended the Carolina Classic Fair this year. Organizers say attendance was up 18% from 2022, and attributed clear fall weather between Sept. 29 and Oct. 8 as the major factor for increased participation. The 2024 fair will be held Oct. 4 through Oct. 13.
Seasonal
From fall festivals to live music events to a Zombie Walk & Prom (and more), Fayetteville is celebrating cooler temps and fall feels with a calendar full of things to do this October. See these top picks + start planning.*
I love spicy food and have finally found a suitable replacement for Sriracha sauce. I didn’t realize until I tasted a hint of Texas Pete that it’s made right here in Winston-Salem.
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