The Telus World of Science was filled with onlookers Monday morning as Edmonton experienced the solar eclipse, a once in a lifetime celestial event.
Hundreds of people began lining up at the science centre to attend the viewing party hours before the eclipse.
“I am super excited, and even though it just started, it’s still completely awesome. I just can’t wait. The sky’s going to go dimmer. It’s like almost a once in a lifetime thing. My first eclipse. So excited,” Anabelle said.
“What’s happening is the moon is getting between the earth and the sun, so if you’re viewing it properly then you’ll see a black disc encroach across the sun and block out about 70 per cent of that sunlight at its peak and slowly move off,” Telus World of Science staff scientist Samantha Marion said.
Watch below: A quick look at Edmonton’s partial solar eclipse
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) held eclipse viewing events across Canada. The organization’s members were at Edmonton’s science centre with telescopes in hand.
READ MORE: How to view the 2017 partial solar eclipse in Edmonton
Watch below: When the sun started to disappear from view Monday morning, Edmontonians were in awe of the magical display. Sarah Kraus reports.
The eclipse started at 10:24 a.m. MDT in Alberta’s capital and would be over by 12:49 p.m.
“My advice to people is enjoy it. It is a special moment. It doesn’t happen that often, and if the weather is nice today, it’s going to be a spectacular sight,” Marion said.
“It gives you a chance to reflect and to share in something big with a lot of other people.”
READ MORE: Everything Canadians need to know about the event
Edmonton didn’t experience a total eclipse, rather a partial eclipse of 70 to 75 per cent for about two minutes, according to the RASC, but that didn’t bother those at the Telus World of Science viewing party.
“We lucked out being first in line today. We did the telescopes. We saw the sun. Now when we look through these things you can see the moon already cropping in, so we’re pumped,” Albert Fabella said.
People in Victoria could see as much as 91 per cent of the sun go dark, giving them the best view in Canada. Vancouver residents were close behind at 88 per cent.
Several states in the U.S. could see a rare total eclipse, meaning the moon was completely covered the sun. The path of totality will stretch from Salem, Ore. to Chaleston, S.C. The total eclipse will last from 10:16 a.m. PT to 2:48 p.m. ET.
READ MORE: Can you really go blind if you stare at the event?
Edmonton astronomer Geoff Robertson made the drive to Ontario, Oregon to chase totality.
Robertson is the Vice President of the Edmonton-Centre chapter of the RASC. He said the 14-hour drive was well worth it.
“It was like there was a black hole in the sky with the sun’s corona all around it.” said Robertson. “The sky wasn’t black, it was a rich blue colour. We could make out Mercury to the lower left, and Venus to the right.”
Robertson said besides being an amazing spectacle, it was also a huge community event.
“When totality began, everyone started cheering.” he said. “And there were lots of exclamations — some stuff you can’t say on the radio. And then when it ended, we all applauded.”
He said with a show like that, he can understand how people become “eclipse chasers.” He’s hoping to be around long enough to see totality in Edmonton on Aug. 22, 2044.
“I’ll be pretty ancient by then. But my wife says it gives me something to shoot for. I guess she wants to keep me around a little longer.”
In the meantime, he and his wife are planning a trip to eastern Canada for the 2024 eclipse.
People are being warned not to look at the eclipse without protection or risk damage to their retinas. It’s recommended onlookers use number 14 welder’s glasses, eclipse viewing glasses or telescopes equipped with solar filters.
The event was streamed live on NASA’s website, beginning at 12 p.m. ET. According to NASA’s website, the stream will cover the path of totality, additional shots from NASA aircrafts, satellites, and telescopes. More information on how to watch can be found here.
The next solar eclipse will occur in April 2024.
Watch below: Solar eclipse video from around North America
-
![]()
Total solar eclipse begins in Oregon -
![]()
Trump and first lady watch eclipse from White House -
![]()
Solar eclipse ends its journey in South Carolina -
![]()
Sun peaks out behind solar eclipse -
![]()
Total solar eclipse emerges from behind clouds in Nebraska -
![]()
Total solar eclipse reaches Missouri -
![]()
Total solar eclipse doesn’t disappoint
Comments