Partial solar eclipse to be visible across much of Canada today

NASA Image

Much of Canada will have the opportunity to see a partial solar eclipse today as the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun.

The event is a total solar eclipse globally, but people across most of Canada will see only a partial eclipse. NASA says the partial eclipse will be visible across most of Canada, with the amount of the Sun covered varying significantly by location.

The eclipse will be most prominent in parts of northern and eastern Canada.

Iqaluit, Nunavut, will see about 61 per cent of the Sun obscured at maximum eclipse, while St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, will see about 53 per cent according to astronomical eclipse calculations.

Other Canadian locations will see a smaller portion of the Sun covered. The farther south and west an observer is, generally, the less pronounced the eclipse will be.

The partial eclipse will occur during the afternoon in eastern Canada, although exact start, maximum and end times will depend on location.

The path of totality will not cross Canada. Totality will be visible along a narrow path extending across Greenland, Iceland and parts of Europe, including northern Spain.

Weather conditions will determine how clearly the eclipse can be seen from individual communities.

Anyone viewing the eclipse should use certified solar eclipse glasses or other proper solar viewing equipment. Looking directly at the Sun without appropriate protection can cause permanent eye damage.