A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon travels directly between the Earth and the Sun, and our Observatory is among the best places to safely view this rare but beautiful astronomical event. During the course of this Partial Solar Eclipse, the Moon will partially obscure our view of the Sun for a short period of time.

 

Viewing a Partial Solar Eclipse requires special filters or optical instruments and is dangerous to watch without proper protection. Our telescopes will be outfitted with proper solar filters, and safe viewing glasses will also be available for purchase in our Gift Shop. Do not try to view a Partial Solar Eclipse or the Sun if you are unsure on how to do this safely. Do not use: Sunglasses, Smoked Glass, Welder's Filter less than a #14 shade, exposed pieces of photographic film, photographic neutral density filters, dark garbage bags, binoculars or a telescope without a proper solar filter at the aperture. Safe Viewing Methods include: #14 (Number Fourteen) Welding Filter, special metal coated mylar solar eclipse viewing glasses (which are available for purchase at our Gift Shop), proper solar filters for telescopes (attached at the front of the telescope, never the eye piece)and pinhole projection.

 

For individuals wishing to observe the Partial Solar Eclipse, TELUS World of Science - Edmonton and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be setting up telescopes by the Observatory for safe public viewing of this event from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The Observatory is free of charge! Remember, the event is weather dependant and consequently viewing the event at the TELUS World of Science will be cancelled if there is substantial cloud cover.