Manitobans will be able to view a partial solar eclipse Monday, April 8, when the moon passes in front of the sun, casting its shadow onto the earth.
Over the moon about the eclipse? Here’s what you need to know to get you prepared for the spectacle.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse takes place when the moon passes in front of the sun and casts its shadow onto the earth.
The “path of totality” — in which viewers will see a total solar eclipse, covering the entire sun — will cover parts of North America, from Mazatlan, Mexico, through southeastern Ontario, across Montreal and on through the Maritimes.
Those watching the eclipse in the path of totality will see the moon block out the entire sun for as long as four minutes. Partial eclipse viewers will see the moon cover less of the sun’s diameter.
In Winnipeg, the partial eclipse will begin at 12:54 p.m. It will take two-and-a-half hours for the moon to move across the sun from left to right. The maximum eclipse will take place at 2:01 p.m. and will be over at 3:08 p.m.
How can I look at the eclipse?
It’s never safe to look directly at the sun — during an eclipse or any other time.
Eclipse glasses help keep your eyes protected during the partial and total solar eclipse. They use lenses with special solar filters and must adhere to the ISO 12312-2 international standard (that is, they should say “ISO 12312-2” on them somewhere).
Regular sunglasses — even those with UVA and UVB protection — will not provide adequate protection when viewing the eclipse. Don’t use welder’s goggles, and don’t stack regular sunglasses.
You can’t just use your phone camera, either. Do not look at the eclipse through any kind of camera, telescope, binoculars or other device without special filters. If you intend to use a special solar filer on a device, consult an expert prior to use.
“You can cause irreparable damage to your eyes without even knowing it is occurring.”
“You can cause irreparable damage to your eyes without even knowing it is occurring,” said Dr. Irene Mestito-Dao, President of the Manitoba Association of Optometrists, in a release.
“If you want to view an eclipse, you must use the proper eyewear.”
To safely view the eclipse through eclipse glasses, the association recommends the following:
- Check lenses of solar eclipse glasses before the eclipse. Solar eclipse glasses with scratched lenses are not safe to use.
- Put on the solar eclipse glasses before looking up at the sun and do not remove them until after you’ve looked away.
- Ensure all children viewing the eclipse are supervised and wearing solar eclipse glasses at all times.
Where can I purchase solar eclipse glasses?
If you are buying eclipse glasses, ensure you are purchasing them from a legitimate source you trust, as unscrupulous vendors are selling counterfeit ones that won’t work. Only use glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard (that is, they should say “ISO 12312-2” on them).
As of Friday afternoon, the Manitoba Museum Shop and the Forks Trading Company were sold out.
Transcona Optical on Regent Avenue and the For Eyes Optical Boutique on Corydon Avenue were distributing one pair of solar eclipse glasses per family, free of charge.
Showcase in Polo Park mall had the glasses in stock Friday afternoon and the store at St. Vital Centre anticipates it will be receiving a shipment of the glasses later Friday or Saturday. Showcase at Kildonan Place and Garden City Shopping Centre are out of stock.
What if I can’t find eclipse glasses?
So you don’t want to stare directly at the sun, but you weren’t able to find eclipse glasses. Don’t fret! There are other ways to safely observe the eclipse on Monday, in an indirect way.
One of the simple ways to observe the phenomenon is with a pinhole camera — more accurately described as a projector — that can be created with items most of us already have at home. Learn how to make one here.
You can also watch the eclipse online. The Manitoba Museum will be livestreaming the event.
What local events are taking place?
A free solar eclipse viewing party will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday at The Leaf in Assiniboine Park.
The event, hosted by the Manitoba Museum’s Planetarium, the Winnipeg chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, will feature special solar telescopes and live feeds from other sites across North America to show the path of totality.
What if I miss it??
The next total solar eclipse viewable in Canada will take place in 2044.
With files from The Canadian Press.