THUNDER BAY — Part of an annual solar eclipse will be visible from our neck of the province.
On Saturday, area residents will see approximately 34 per cent of the solar eclipse starting at 11:38 a.m., according to The Weather Network.
The eclipse will peak at 12:52 p.m. and then end at 2:08 p.m.
"The annular eclipse happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, causing a shadow to cast over the earth. Unlike a total eclipse, which blocks out the full Sun, the annular eclipse will only block out a portion of it," said Joe Mastrangelo, a member of a local group of astrology enthusiasts called Thunder Bay Starchasers.
"Because the moon is the furthest distance from Earth right now, it won't block out the whole sun," Mastrangelo continued, "It will look more like a bite was taken out of the sun."
In order to get a full view of the ringed Sun, viewers would have to be located along a path from Oregon to Texas and across parts of South America
He noted that some of the local group members will be setting up a viewing at Hillcrest Park to observe on Saturday morning around 11:30 a.m..
The astrological aficionado will be setting up his high-tech telescope that is outfitted with a specialty lens specifically for solar events. The special lens will protect the viewers' eyes when looking through it.
Can you watch an Annular Eclipse without eye protection?
No.
Since the Sun isn't blocked completely, there is the risk that the Sun's radiation may damage your eyes.
Mastrangelo said that those wishing to view the partial eclipse should do it with specifically designed eclipse glasses. These are exceptionally darker than regular sunglasses or even welding glasses.
It's also advised not to view the partial eclipse through any sort of lens, according to NASA.
"Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury."
There are a variety of ways to indirectly view the eclipse with items from home or even recycling. Those details can be found here.
