Partial solar eclipse thrills Calgary sun watchers

Two weeks ago we were treated to a total lunar eclipse.  On Thursday, it was a partial solar eclipse.

Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between earth and the sun.

When the moon’s shadow falls on earth we get a partial solar eclipse.

It was the third and final eclipse of the year.

“I’m looking at the sun and I can see a big yellow circle and a little black dot in the middle.” said one sky watcher.

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“You see little bit of the moon covering it.. so it’s kinda like someone took a bite out of the sun.” added another.

The partial solar eclipse drew a crowd at the University of Calgary – from astrophysicists to the curious.

Several people brought along telescopes.

“It will not get completely dark, but still this is a rare thing to see to be able to see, and we have wait three years for the next one.” said Dr. Jeroen Still, an astrophysics professor at the University of Calgary.

Watching a solar eclipse can be harmful, as sun glasses don’t provide enough protection.

Most eclipse fans wore special glasses to protect their eyes.

The next full solar eclipse will be in March, visible in Europe.