Cloud cover will likely spoil the eclipse viewing party in Metro Vancouver
While parts of Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada are preparing for a rare opportunity to view a total solar eclipse on Monday, a partial eclipse will be happening in the skies above Metro Vancouver.
- Related: Watch the eclipse live here
“If you are slightly outside the path of totality, then the moon doesn’t entirely cover up the sun, and instead it looks like it’s taking a bite out of it. And that’s what we will ultimately see in Vancouver. We are pretty far away from the path of totality unfortunately, so it’s only going to cover about 28 per cent of the sun,” said Aaron Boley, associate professor of physics and astronomy at the University of British Columbia.
And Metro Vancouverites will only see that 28 per cent “bite” out of the sun if the weather co-operates. Right now, the Monday morning forecast calls for heavy cloud cover and rain.
“If you can’t see the sun, unfortunately you won’t notice much of a change at all,” said Boley, adding the darkness those closer to the path of totality will experience won’t happen here. “You can start to see changes when you get to very high partial eclipse rates, starting at around 78 per cent or so. But just at around 28 per cent, it’s going to look like a normal cloudy day if the sun is covered by clouds.”
If the cloud cover breaks or thins during the eclipse, which will happen between 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., Metro Vancouver sky watchers need to take precautions.
“You should have some solar glasses,” said Boley. “I want to stress that even if it’s cloudy, please don’t just look up at the sun without any protection at all, because we have no way of really calibrating how much light is really getting through the clouds that way. So it’s an unsafe practise, and also you might suddenly get a hole in the clouds and really hurt your eyes.”
Solar glasses will be available by donation at the HR MacMillan Space Centre, where staff will be viewing the eclipse using a solar-filtered telescope in the observatory. There will also be a live stream of the eclipse in other parts of North America in the observatory.
Even if there is no show in Metro Vancouver, Boley says the event is significant. “I think it’s really important for people to recognize the different kinds of astronomical events that are naturally occurring. Eclipses have played a major part throughout humanity’s history in many different ways. Some of that comes from cultural significance and some from scientific significance.”
And after Monday’s eclipse, it won’t be happening again here for many years.
“Unfortunately for North America, the next partial solar eclipse will be in 2029, and then the next total eclipse that goes through North America will go through Alaska in 2033,” said Boley. And B.C. sky watchers will have to wait even longer. “The next one that goes through a large swath of North America won’t be until 2045. So if you have the chance to see the eclipse, definitely take the chance to do it because it’s a special event and it’s really an amazing thing to do.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
BREAKING Canada's inflation cools to 3-year low of 2.7%, in boost for rate cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Trudeau making 'Team Canada' pitch in visit to Philadelphia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new 'Team Canada' charm offensive in the United States.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.