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By Sam Bennison

Astronomy

Prince George Astronomical Observatory hosts an eclipse viewing this Saturday

Oct 11, 2023 | 1:00 PM

A partial solar eclipse will be passing over North America on October 14, 2023.

A solar eclipse is when the Earth, Moon and Sun line up so that the Moon covers the Sun. While observers will have the best view along the path from Oregon to Texas and south across the Yucatan Peninsula, Prince George is near the path and the moon will cover 58 percent of the sun, meaning the sun will have a crescent like shape.

While the eclipse happens at one specific time (15 UTC) due to the exact viewing angle of the Sun and Moon and time zones, viewing times are different from place to place. According to the Prince George Astronomical Observatory the eclipse will begin at 8:13 a.m., peak at 9:22 a.m., and end at 10:37 a.m.

Weather permitting, the Prince George Astronomical Observatory will be hosting a viewing with their solar filter equipped telescope. Environment Canada predicts a mix of sun and cloud for the Saturday.

If you would like to view the Eclipse it is recommended to view it through special eclipse glasses. Welding glasses are not a suitable alternative and can leave your eyes at risk. According to phillips-safety.com, only welding glasses with the darkest shade of level 14 can protect your eyes properly but are uncommon.

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The recommended donations for the Observatory $2/person or $5/family. pgrasc.org/wp