Across North America many will be taking their eyes to the skies to experience the partial solar eclipse that will take place to the south!

For Manitobans, we're not fortunate enough to live in, or have easy access to, the full shadow of the total eclipse, but just the same we're excited to experience something that is a 'rare spectacle of nature', as Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques calls it.

For people who are in the path of the moon's shadow the sky will turn as dark as night for only a few minutes as the moon slips in between earth and the sun.  Those fortunate to live in eastern Canada, will have the opportunity to see the solar eclipse's path of totality in some cities and towns in the 7 eastern provinces.

Here in Manitoba, we'll be able to see about 55 % of the sun covered by the moon, the entire process beginning at around 12:45 pm.  The peak depth will be at approximately 1:58 p.m.

"This eclipse is a lot like other eclipses, the only significant thing that the media seems to be hyping about it is that it will be the last total solar eclipse on North American soil for the next 20 years," shares Brandon University Astronomy Professor, Dr. Todd Foster.  "So, this doesn't mean you won't be able to see a total eclipse in the next 20 years, you'll just have to leave North America in order to do it."

Dr. Foster says both solar and lunar eclipses are fairly common. "Periodically, you expect 1 to 2 per year and sometimes it can actually be up to 4 total eclipses in a year, and that's including both lunar and solar.  Manitobans saw a partial solar eclipse in October last year.

Foster adds most of them are taking place out on the vast ocean waters because the earth is 70% water.  But some take place over Europe and Asia and other continents, so one has to usually travel great distances to those areas where there is the path of totality.

"This one is special because it's happening at home for North Americans, and it will be the last one for about 20 years," he adds.  "Don't think that if you miss this one that you're never going to see another one. There is an extremely deep partial eclipse that is coming for Brandon in January 2029 where 80% of the sun will be blocked by the moon. And that will be quite noticeable, even deeper than Monday's."

In October of 2023 Manitobans saw an Anular Solar Eclipse, but only a partial.  Coming up September 17th, 2024, Manitobans will see a partial lunar eclipse.

Brandon University is inviting the public to join them on Monday afternoon to view the eclipse through specialized filtered telescopes in front of the Brody Science building on campus, beginning at 12:45 pm just before the eclipse starts. They'll end around 3pm when the eclipse will be over.  They'll also be offering protective glasses on site. 

"So, you can drop by and look at the sun through a special filtered telescope and get a close-up view of it, or if you want to look at it on your own you'll need to use something like a really dark welder's glass or helmet #14 is the best.  Or, you can use the cardboard glasses that sit on your face in cardboard frames." 

Dr. Foster stresses the importance of protecting your eyes and to not look at the solar eclipse with the naked eye. He says it's just not worth messing with your eyes.

"You could lose your vision in less time than it takes to blink if you look at the sun in the wrong way, especially through a magnified image like a telescope or binoculars," he cautions. "I've seen it all! I've seen people stack sunglasses on their face. That's not safe.  I've seen people use garbage bags with poked holes to look at the sun. That's not safe. Don't do any home methods. Be safe, protect your eyes, and pick up the cardboard glasses or welders' glasses."

"The sun will appear just as bright as always appears on Monday because only 50-60% of the sun will be covered by the moon ," adds Dr. Foster. "But that remaining amount is still extremely, extremely dangerous if you're looking at it directly. Just don't do it."

file photoGovernment of Canada website.

Foster says there will be no meteor showers to speak of, but there will be other planetary wonders to watch for include the elusive planet Mercury. He says Mercury will be visible just after the sun sets in the sky, off deep in the west just following the sun down looking much like a bright star.  Jupiter will also be visible.  It sets about 2 hours after the sun in the southwest after the sunset.   And the planet Saturn is rising in the morning so yes, there is lots to watch for in the skies besides next Monday's solar eclipse.

A favorite website for Dr. Foster is the Time and Date where you can see past and upcoming events in the solar system, specifically from where you live.

To learn more about Monday's solar eclipse visit the Government of Canada website HERE!