International Dark Sky Week: Spots to watch solar eclipse in San Diego County

Editor's note: The April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible as a partial eclipse from San Diego.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- International Dark Sky Week highlights the importance of preserving night skies by limiting night pollution.

The annual global movement, which starts Tuesday and goes through Friday, happens to coincide with a total solar eclipse that will cross North America on April 8.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocks the face of the sun and causes the sky to darken as if it were dawn or dusk, according to NASA.

Although the San Diego area won't be in the path of totality, locals will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Here are some places with viewing parties on April 8:

• Eclipse Viewing Party at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.

• Dark Sky Celebration at the Julian County Library from 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.

• Total Eclipse Viewing Event hosted by SDSU's Astronomy Dept. at 540 Cornish Drive in Encinitas from 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Don't look directly at the sun during the eclipse. The proper glasses for the total solar eclipse event can be picked up at local, county and city libraries in San Diego County, according to Cathy Handzel, Chapter President of DarkSky San Diego County.

The last total solar eclipse in the U.S. occurred on Aug. 21, 2017, while the next one after April 8 won't be until 2044, per NASA.

For other events during International Dark Sky Week, those interested can visit:

April 3: The Sky Tonight at the Fleet Science Center

April 5: The Sky Tonight at Palomar College Planetarium in San Marcos

Dark sky communities include Julian, Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Descanso Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest is in the works to become a dark sky park, Handzel added.

To limit light pollution, Handzel advises to use light when you need it, use warmer color temperatures (meaning more amber), and to use the lowest amount of light that you need and aim them down.