New Zealand will be treated to a rare sight on Monday morning as the moon appears to take a bite out of the rising sun - the first solar eclipse visible on our shores in more than a decade.
On September 22, a rare partial solar eclipse will be visible at dawn across the country.
Stardome Observatory said the sun will rise while the eclipse was already in progress.
Astronomer Josh Aoraki said the partial solar eclipse was so special because just a few countries, including a few Pacific nations, will be able to see it.
"We haven't seen an eclipse of this magnitude here since 2012, so you won't want to miss it."
The sun will appear at dawn as a crescent when it rises, with the moon slowly moving across the sun and blocking more of its light over the next hour.
A clear and view of the eastern horizon at 7am will be the best time to see the eclipse, Aoraki said.
"(The) Eclipse ends just after 8am when the moon will slip clear of the sun's disc, ending the eclipse."
The solar eclipse follows a total lunar eclipse earlier this month, when New Zealanders saw the moon slip into Earth's shadow and turn a deep red hue.
Together, the two eclipses mark one of the busiest months for celestial events in recent years.
The amount of sun covered at the peak of Monday's eclipse will vary across the country, from around 60% in Auckland to more than 70% in the lower South Island.
In contrast to the total lunar eclipse earlier this month, experts stressed solar eclipses could be dangerous to watch without proper precautions.
"It's never safe to look directly at the sun without proper protection. You'll need certified solar viewing glasses. Regular sunglasses are not safe for solar viewing," Stardome said.
Stardome is holding a free viewing party atop Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill between 6am and 8am if weather allows.
How much of the sun will be covered for different regions
60% in Auckland
61% in Tauranga
62% in Gisborne
63% in New Plymouth
66% in Wellington
68% in Greymouth
69% in Christchurch
71% in Queenstown and Dunedin
72% in Invercargill
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Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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38.4% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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59.9% No, I enjoy it
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1.7% Other - I'll share below
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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40.3% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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21.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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34.6% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.7% I didn’t know online booking was available
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.4% Inside!
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23.6% On top!
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