Millions of people across the country will be watching the sky on Monday, and the TELUS Spark Science Center will be one of the busiest places in Calgary for eclipse watchers.
“This is clearly a rare celestial event, so we need to celebrate it,” said Zach Anderson of TELUS Spark.
On Monday, starting at 11:48 a.m. GMT, the moon will begin to pass between the Earth and the sun, partially obscuring the star from view.
At 12:43 p.m., 40% of the sun will be obscured in the sky over Calgary before the moon wanes again, falling off course at 1:38 p.m.
The path of the total eclipse, where entire areas will be plunged into darkness after the moon completely covers the sun, will pass through most of the eastern United States as well as parts of Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
Before the big event, Anderson says guests will be able to watch a special eclipse-themed video in the eponymous Dome Theater Chasing shadows.
“We also have the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada that will be on site with their instruments to help look at the sun in a safe way and provide us with some really cool information about it,” he said.
Since Calgary will only see a partial eclipse, Anderson says TELUS Spark has set up a special NASA live stream of the total eclipse.
“You can see the partial eclipse outside, and then go inside to see it all.”
How rare are eclipses?
While the eclipse itself is not very rare, Anderson says it is somewhat special because it occurs in a densely populated area.
“There are about two to five incidents that happen every year, and you can actually trace their paths just because of the way the planet and the moon move,” Anderson said.
“Sometimes it's a shadow over the ocean or the Sahara desert, or all of those things, so it's a very special opportunity.”
He says the moon's angle and movement will create more shadow – or penumbra – for residents in eastern Canada.
“The moon will completely block the sun, which is called a total eclipse, which is the total path that completely covered the sunlight.”
Safety is a major concern
Whether it's a partial or total solar eclipse, viewing the sun without protection is dangerous and it's important that people have proper viewing protection.
“We will provide one pair of glasses per family, so you can safely look at the eclipse and not damage your eyes,” Anderson said.
Anderson says it's never a good idea to look at the sun, but looking at the eclipse, people still want to see what's happening.
“Do not look at the sun unless you have protection. Therefore, Specifically labeled glasses “To view the eclipse, please do not use sunglasses,” he said.
“Solder masks work too.”
Anderson says there are also homemade 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 Solar eclipse View the live broadcast of the event on CTVNews.ca.
