Astronomer urges eye safety as solar eclipse approaches

People across Saskatchewan are making their plans for Aug. 21, with an eye to the sky.

A total solar eclipse is set to sweep across the continent Monday morning, darkening daylight for several hours as the moon passes between the sun and Earth.

University of Saskatchewan Astronomy Professor Stan Shadick told 650 CKOM Saskatchewan isn’t in the “path of totality,” meaning only 75 per cent of the sun will be covered over the province.

The event will stretch between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., but residents will get their best view during the peak around 10:45 a.m.

Shadick said the last major eclipse witnessed over Saskatchewan was in 1979.

But don’t look directly at it, unless you have the proper equipment.

Shadick said the remaining sunlight could be blinding.

“What’s left is still just as intense as ever,” he said.

He also warned people to not look at the eclipse through a telescope without a proper lens filter.

Shadick noted several stores are carrying proper eye protection leading up to the eclipse, including the London Drugs on 8th Street.

One way to view the eclipse will be through the U of S campus observatory, which will give attendees a chance to get a close-up look through their telescope.

As for the closest total eclipse? Saskatonians will have to drive 12 hours south to Casper, Wyoming.

A local paper reported the city of 60,000 residents was almost out of hotel space as of Sunday.

—With files from 650 CKOM’s Celine Grimard.