MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - There is a solar eclipse coming to North America on Aug. 21. In parts of the United States, the eclipse will be total, while in Central Alberta, residents will be able to see a partial eclipse.
Ken From, co-owner and operator of All-Star Telescope between Carstairs and Didsbury, said it's a pretty rare event and a spectacular sight to see.
"A solar eclipse occurs when the moon travels directly between the earth and the sun," said From. "Usually a total solar eclipse will happen somewhere on the planet every 18 months on average.
ëHowever, often they're in very remote locations, hard to get to and very expensive to travel to. This one coming up on the 21st is the first total solar eclipse that is readily available to people in North America since 1979. It's a super-big event."
The eclipse is expected to begin at 10:20 a.m. and end at 12:40 p.m. with the maximum coverage of the sun occurring at 11:33 a.m. for about two minutes.
"It's one of the most remarkable, unique, beautiful, exciting, natural events that happens in nature," said From. "Once you have seen one it's so spectacular you're looking on the calendar to see when you can travel to see the next one. That's how compelling it is."
From said the store will be open on Aug. 21 for viewing the eclipse.
"We'll have a couple of telescopes set up," said From. "However, people can watch it from anywhere as long as there is a clear sky and they have proper viewing equipment."
From said having proper viewing equipment is crucial to preventing damage to the eyes.
"What happens is all across Canada we'll only be able to see a partial eclipse," he said. "Which means you have to have proper protection for your eyes, binoculars and cameras.
"Even in Southern Alberta 80 per cent of the sun will be covered. If you want to see the total eclipse you have to travel to somewhere in the United States. What's unique about this eclipse is that it travels all the way from the Oregon Coast across the U.S. and exits in South Carolina."
From said in those areas the sun will be completely blocked out for a short time.
"You'll see the sun disappear basically as the moon comes across," he said. "The stars will come out, the birds will start chirping, the temperature will cool. It's just that kind of spectacular event."
All necessary solar goggles and filters for safe viewing of the eclipse are available for sale at All-Star Telescope. You can also use welding glasses with a minimum level of 12, said From.
"Usually a total solar eclipse will happen somewhere on the planet every 18 months on average. However, often they're in very remote locations, hard to get to and very expensive to travel to."Ken From
