Canadian Skies to Witness Partial Solar Eclipse on Saturday

Partial Solar Eclipse Visible in Canada on Saturday

Overview

On Saturday, a partial solar eclipse, known as an annular eclipse, will be visible in Canada. Residents in southwestern British Columbia will have the best view of the eclipse in the morning, while the Moon will also discreetly cover the Sun in the eastern part of the country in the early afternoon. The eclipse will be visible in Quebec between 12:11 PM and 2:23 PM, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 1:17 PM in Montreal, where the Sun will be 17% covered. However, in other parts of Canada, the maximum coverage can reach 79%. In Toronto, the maximum eclipse will take place at 1:10 PM, with 27% of the Sun being covered.

Observation Precautions

Although a significant portion of the Sun will be covered during the eclipse, it is important to note that there will not be a noticeable decrease in daylight. Therefore, it is crucial not to look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. Paul Delaney, a professor emeritus at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at York University in Toronto, advises observing the Sun cautiously and ensuring that a safe method is used. One recommended method is to project an image of the Sun using a telescope onto a piece of paper or another surface. For those without proper eye protection or if the sky is cloudy, there are online viewing options available. NASA will be live streaming the eclipse from 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM EST on their YouTube channel.

Understanding Annular Eclipses

During an annular eclipse, the Moon is slightly farther away from the Earth compared to a total eclipse, causing its diameter to appear slightly smaller than the Sun from our perspective. This creates the characteristic ring of fire effect. While solar eclipses of various types occur around the world on average twice a year, annular eclipses are rarer. The Moon needs to be further away from Earth than usual and properly aligned with the Sun for an annular eclipse to occur. This combination happens approximately once every two to three years. The Sun is approximately 400 times larger than the Moon but also 400 times farther away, which is why both celestial bodies appear similar in size from Earth.

Next Total Solar Eclipse in Canada

The next total solar eclipse visible in Canada will occur on April 8th. The path of totality will sweep across Mexico, the United States, and the eastern part of Canada. This time, Canadians in certain parts of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador will have the best viewpoint.

In conclusion, as Canadians prepare to witness the partial solar eclipse this Saturday, it is essential to prioritize their safety by using proper eye protection and following recommended observation methods. Annular eclipses offer a unique opportunity to observe a rare celestial event, highlighting the intricate dynamics of our solar system.