Partial solar eclipse visible this week in Okanagan, Kamloops
Skywatchers in Kamloops and the Okanagan can look forward to a partial solar eclipse this weekend.
Solar eclipses occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth line up either entirely or partly, with the Moon passing between Sun and Earth blocking the sun’s light.
A total eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth at its farthest point from Earth it appears much smaller than the Sun. It ends up looking like a dark disk surrounded by the Sun’s light, a sight often called a ring of fire.
Eclipses are seen differently depending on where in the world you are viewing from and in this case the total solar eclipse will be seen by viewers in parts of the United States, and Central and South America.
For viewers in Canada, a partial solar eclipse will be visible, resembling a crescent shape.
The partial eclipse will occur between at 8:07 a.m. and 11:32 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14. Environment Canada is calling for a mix of sun and cloud that day in the Thompson-Okanagan region.
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When viewing the partial eclipse you need to wear specially-designed solar eclipse glasses because of the harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays from the Sun that can cause retina damage and blindness. Solar filters should be used on telescopes and binoculars.
If you get photos of the partial eclipse and want to share, please send them to news@infonews.ca, and we'll feature them.
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