Western University to host solar eclipse viewing event

Western University is making final preparations ahead of Monday’s much-anticipated solar eclipse.

Sky watchers are invited out to the hill in front of University College on campus to view the eclipse through free, safe eclipse glasses.

“It’s absolutely crucial that no one look at an eclipse without purpose-made filters,” said Jan Cami, director of the Cronyn Observatory and a Professor of Astronomy at the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

“Watching directly through sunglasses could do irreparable harm to your eyes in a matter of seconds.”

View image in full screen

It occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, highlighting the rarely seen outer atmosphere of the sun as a halo circles the moon.

In the United States, it will be a total solar eclipse, the first to streak across the entire continental U.S. in 99 years.

View image in full screen

During Monday’s event in London, the moon will start moving in front of the sun at 1:06 p.m., with maximum eclipse at 2:30 p.m. The eclipse will end at 3:48 p.m. but the moon will only cover about 75 per cent of the sun, according to experts.

“For professional and amateur astronomers alike, an eclipse is a source of enduring fascination. They’re amazing events to share with family and friends as we watch the moon take a ‘big bite’ out of the sun,” said Cami.

In addition to eclipse glasses, visitors will be able to look through telescopes equipped with professional filters and will learn and see safe ways to project the sun’s image.