How Edmontonians can safely experience the solar eclipse

Rare event starts here at 10:24 a.m. on Monday, writes Rob Csernyik.

When is the eclipse happening in Edmonton?

A It’s taking place on Monday, Aug. 21. In Edmonton it begins at 10:24 a.m., peaks at 11:35 a.m. and will end at 12:49 p.m.

Will the full eclipse be visible in Edmonton?

A Edmonton will get to see a partial, not a total, eclipse.

“If there’s no cloud to block it out, we’ll see the moon cover close to 70 per cent of the sun,” Sharon Morsink, a University of Alberta astrophysics professor, said in a news release.

The total eclipse will only be visible in what is called the “path of totality.” The NASA website said people in various parts of the world will see a partial eclipse, but the total eclipse will only be seen in a 113-km wide (70-mile) path of totality that will pass through portions of 14 American states, west to east.

Are there any special viewing events?

A The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is holding eclipse-viewing events across the country. Edmonton’s event will take place at the RASC Observatory at the Telus World of Science, 11211 142 St., from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The total solar eclipse will be broadcast online, including at the NASA website.

Can I look at the eclipse with a naked eye?

A No. A University of Alberta news release said that even a partial eclipse will burn your retinas. If you can get your hands on a pair of special solar glasses, you could wear them and watch. Some websites offer instructions on how to make a pair of your own. And, no, don’t try to view the eclipse wearing other glasses just because they’re tinted. Regular sunglasses, safety glasses and 3-D movie glasses don’t provide protection for your eyes during an eclipse.