Here in Manitoba we will see the sun eclipsed by the moon on Monday, August 21. For this part of Manitoba, around Virden, the sun will begin to hide behind the moon around 4:35 p.m. By 5:50, we could see the maximum eclipse here, waning until about 7:10.
The very best place to watch this wonder would be near Stapleton Newbraska, or North Platte, a larger town, close to 11 hours south of Virden.
It is very important to wear protective eyewear when watching the eclipse – unless you are in darkness, as the moon completely covers the sun.
But that won’t happen here, so get those glasses out.
London Drugs has issued a warning to purchase the correct glasses: ISO-certified Celestron EclipSmart solar safe shades.
They say, Canadians will get to see what could be a once-in-a-lifetime event for many: a partial solar eclipse. To experience the eclipse safely, special-purpose solar filter glasses are necessary. The eye gear must be designated ISO 12312-2, meaning they meet the eye protection requirements for the direct observation of the sun.
Regular sunglasses do not provide enough protection, since they don't block out the ultra-violet and infrared rays that can damage the eyes.
The American Astronomical Society confirms the need to take care.
They say the only safe way to look directly at the partially eclipsed Sun is through
special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held
solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe
for looking at the Sun.
To date four manufacturers have certified that their eclipse glasses
and hand-held solar viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such
products: Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17.
Part of the intrigue is the sun’s diaphanous outer atmosphere or corona, which will apparently be visible.
However, evening picture taking is hazardous and the American Astronomical Society warns not to look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other
optical device.
Similarly, AAS advises not to think you are safe looking through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury, they warn.
One of the dangers is the fact that you cannot feel the eye damage that will occur if you stare directly at the sun.
Keep your children and yourself safe while enjoying the wonder of this celestial event.
More information can be found at eclipse.aas.org/
