Achi news desk-
Millions of people across the country will be keeping their eyes on the sky on Monday and one of the busiest places in Calgary for eclipse watchers will be the TELUS Spark Science Centre.
“This is obviously a rare celestial event, so we need to celebrate it,” said Zack Anderson with TELUS Spark.
On Monday, starting at 11:48 am MT, the moon will begin to pass between Earth and the sun, partially blocking the star from view.
At 12:43 pm, 40 percent of the sun will be blotted out in the sky above Calgary before the moon recedes once again, passing out of the path at 1:38 pm
The path of totality, where regions will be plunged into complete darkness after the moon completely covers the sun, will run across much of the eastern US as well as parts of Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
Before the big event, Anderson says guests will be able to see a special eclipse-themed video at the Dome Theater called Chasing Shadows.
“We also have the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada who will be on site with their instruments to help look at the sun in a safe way and give some really great information about it,” he said.
Since Calgary will only see a partial eclipse, Anderson says TELUS Spark has set up a special NASA live feed of the full eclipse.
“You can see the partial eclipse outside, then come inside and see the full thing.”
How rare are eclipses?
While eclipses themselves aren’t too rare, Anderson says it’s pretty special because it happens over a heavily populated area.
“About two to five happen every year and you can actually track their paths just because of the way the planet and the moon move,” Anderson said.
“Sometimes the shadow will be on the ocean or the Sahara Desert, all those kinds of things, so it’s a pretty special opportunity.”
He says the angle and movement of the moon will create more shadow – or penumbra – for residents of Eastern Canada.
“The moon will completely block the sun, which is what is known as a total eclipse, and it is that path of totality that has completely covered the sunlight.”
Safety is a major concern
Whether it is a partial or total solar eclipse, viewing the sun without protection is dangerous and it is important that people have the appropriate protection for viewing.
“We will provide glasses, one for each family, so you can look at the eclipse safely and not damage your eyes,” Anderson said.
Anderson says it’s never a good idea to look at the sun, but given an eclipse, people still want to see what’s going on.
“Don’t look at the sun unless you have protection. So, sunglasses that are specifically rated for viewing eclipses – don’t use sunglasses,” he said.
“Welding masks work too.”
Anderson says there are also home options that work like pinhole cameras, casting a shadow on a piece of paper, showing you where the sun is.
You can read more about Monday’s solar eclipse and see a live stream of the event on CTVNews.ca.
