After viewing a televised presentation on a total solar eclipse in Antarctica back in 2003, Stephen Bedingfield from Yellowknife was inspired to pursue witnessing every eclipse possible. This week, accompanied by his spouse, he has made it to Spain to observe his 13th total solar eclipse, marking his 23rd eclipse overall when including partial eclipses. The event is anticipated to last approximately two minutes.
According to Bedingfield, a total solar eclipse is akin to witnessing the Great Barrier Reef, Niagara Falls, and Mount Everest all converging into one breathtaking moment. He described the experience as unparalleled and emphasized its magnificence. A total solar eclipse is scheduled to be visible on Wednesday across Greenland, Iceland, Spain, northern Russia, and a segment of Portugal. Although Canada will not witness the total eclipse, there will be an opportunity to view a partial solar eclipse, where the moon partially obscures the sun.
During his extensive travels as an eclipse chaser, Bedingfield has built connections and discovered a community of like-minded individuals. He expressed his excitement about being part of a tribe of eclipse chasers who frequently attend such events. For him, the eclipse-chasing journey has become a travel diary that allows him to explore diverse cultures and meet new people worldwide.
Bedingfield highlighted that aside from the brief duration of the eclipse, part of the allure lies in observing how the phenomenon alters the environment. The sudden drop in temperatures, shifts in bird behavior, and the overall environmental transformation create a captivating experience, making it a truly spectacular sight.
As for viewing the upcoming eclipse, viewers in Yellowknife, Whitehorse, and Iqaluit can expect to witness a partial eclipse at specific peak times with varying percentages of the sun obscured by the moon. Christa Van Laerhoven, the vice president of the Yukon Astronomical Society, stressed the importance of using proper eye protection when observing the eclipse. This includes using approved solar eclipse glasses or creating at-home alternatives like a pinhole projector using household items.
Van Laerhoven also debunked the misconception that the sun is more hazardous during a solar eclipse, emphasizing that looking directly at the sun is unsafe regardless of the eclipse phase. She recommended using creative methods like a leafy tree or natural pinhole projector to safely view the eclipse without risking eye damage.