In the moon’s shadow
Canadian experts caution safety when observing the solar eclipse set for April 8
For the first time since 1972, residents of P.E.I. will be able to view an incredible astrological event sure to dazzle and amaze.
On April 8, a total solar eclipse will travel across North America. The path of totality, also known as the path of the moon’s shadow during a total eclipse of the sun, will enter Canada in Hamilton, Ont., and exit over Gander, N.L.
The eclipse is estimated to begin across P.E.I. at approximately 3:30 p.m., and last until 5:45 p.m. The peak of the eclipse, when the sun will be completely obscured by the moon, is estimated by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to last between one and three minutes over P.E.I.
Megan Glover, a UPEI laboratory technician in the department of physics and the department of sustainable design engineering, is involved in public outreach and astronomy, including the collection of telescopes and a small observatory on the UPEI campus.
“Partial eclipses happen quite regularly for any given location, but total ones are much rarer because you have to get the alignment just right for that,” Glover told Saltwire in an interview on March 28.
Glover, who has never seen a total eclipse herself, is excited about the opportunity to witness one in Prince Edward Island.
“I’ve heard it described as a multi-sensory experience for the total eclipse,” Glover said.
“Partial eclipses happen quite regularly for any given location, but total ones are much rarer because you have to get the alignment just right for that.” Megan Glover
OBSERVATION
William Archer, a mission scientist at CSA and a solar terrestrial science expert, told Saltwire on March 26 the total eclipse will be a first for many people east of Quebec.
He said by observing abnormal interactions between Earth and the sun, experts can confirm the understanding of basic observations of Earth’s relationship with the moon and the sun.
“Everything on Earth is so
strongly dominated by the effects of the sun that when you have anything weird about that interaction, like the moon getting in the way, it’s a great opportunity for geoscientists,” Archer said.
Glover said on-lookers will be able to see the corona of the sun on full display around the moon during the total eclipse, with the outer atmosphere of the sun typically obscured from view. This part of the sun is dim and inconsistent compared to other layers of the sun but will be visible during the eclipse as light warps around the moon.
Archer said eclipses occur around the world approximately every two years, but the last full eclipse east of Quebec in Canada was in 1972. CSA data estimates the next total solar eclipse east of Quebec will be in May 2106.
SAFETY FIRST
While people across P.E.I. will be able to witness the solar eclipse, CSA mapping predicts most of Queens and all of Kings County will experience an eclipse of approximately 98 per cent. Northern Queens and all of Prince County are expected to see a 100 per cent eclipse.
Glover encouraged people to travel to witness the totality of the eclipse if possible.
“That extra one or two per cent makes a big difference in what you get to see and experience,” Glover said.
However, ensuring proper eye protecting is a crucial step to enjoy such a spectacle.
Specially made eclipse glasses, as well as pinhole cameras are two safe ways to view a solar eclipse. The CSA encourages people to build pinhole camera projectors at home.
While eclipse glasses and pinhole cameras are two of the safest ways to observe an eclipse, Archer also recommended looking at light rays through bushes for a unique spectacle.
As the moon passes in front of the sun, the remaining light shining through the leaves of trees or bushes will take on an unusual shape.
“It’s going to look like there’s thousands and thousands of little crescent moons in sunlight on the ground as we are passing into the eclipse,” Archer said.
Glover also encouraged people to wear eclipse glasses but also warned against improper usage of the specialty lenses.
“They’re meant for three minutes of continuous viewing, intermittent over several hours, so (the instructions) are not recommending you put them on and just look up at the eclipse for two hours straight without taking breaks,” Glover said.
The CSA has detailed guides to building pinhole cameras, and schools across P.E.I. will be distributing eclipse safety information and glasses ahead of the April 8 eclipse. Students will also be dismissed from school two hours early to ensure their safety in returning home.