On Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2024, a partial solar eclipse will sweep across the western and northern reaches of Canada. The same evening the Perseid meteor shower reaches its maximum, giving sky‑watchers a chance to see both phenomena in one night.
Where the eclipse will be visible
The eclipse will be most apparent in the early morning hours. In Prince George, British Columbia, the event begins at 8:54 a.m. In Edmonton it starts at 10:02 a.m. Toronto residents will see it at 12:55 p.m. and the greatest coverage occurs over St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador at 2:28 p.m.
Canadian Space Agency specialist Pierre Langlois notes that while the province will not experience a total eclipse, it will receive the strongest partial coverage of any Canadian region. "They are still not getting the full eclipse, but they are getting the most out of all of us," he said.
Viewing the Sun without proper protection is unsafe. NASA recommends certified eclipse glasses for the entire duration of the event. The agency also suggests a simple pinhole projector made from a cardboard box, aluminium foil and white paper for those without glasses.
Viewing the Perseids
After the Sun sets, the Perseid meteor shower will be at its peak. The stream of debris originates from Comet Swift Tuttle and enters Earth's atmosphere at roughly 59 kilometres per second, burning up between 80 and 90 kilometres altitude. The result is a series of bright streaks that can be seen across the whole sky.
For the best experience, the Canadian Space Agency advises heading away from city lights and allowing eyes at least half an hour to adjust to darkness. A red filter over a flashlight can preserve night vision if illumination is needed. Observers should look straight up and avoid bright screens, which can ruin the eye's adaptation.
Photographers may wish to use a camera with a long lens to capture the meteors. Langlois adds that a warm drink and a comfortable blanket will make the night more enjoyable.
Canada will host a total solar eclipse on Apr. 8, 2028, and another on Aug. 22, 2044, offering future opportunities for public engagement with space science and for the domestic aerospace sector to showcase its capabilities.
Based on reporting by Global News.