Southern Albertans were treated to a spectacular celestial event on Thursday as they witnessed a partial solar eclipse. The phenomenon, which occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, was visible from various locations across the region.
Many residents took the opportunity to gather with friends and family to witness the rare event. Some even traveled to specific viewing spots, such as the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, to get a closer look at the eclipse.
The eclipse began at around 10:30 a.m. and reached its peak at 11:40 a.m., with the moon covering approximately 80% of the sun. Despite the cloudy weather, many were still able to catch a glimpse of the eclipse through special glasses or by using homemade pinhole projectors.
For some, this was their first time witnessing a solar eclipse. “It’s amazing to see how the moon is covering the sun,” said one onlooker. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Others were reminded of previous eclipses they had seen, such as the total solar eclipse in 2017. “It’s always a surreal experience to see the sun being blocked out by the moon,” said another observer.
The eclipse also drew the attention of many students, who were able to view the event through telescopes and learn about the science behind it. “It’s really cool to see the moon moving in front of the sun,” said one student. “I’m glad I got to witness this with my classmates.”
While this was only a partial eclipse, it still provided a unique opportunity for Southern Albertans to connect with the wonders of the universe. As the event came to an end, many were left in awe of the beauty and mystery of our place in the universe.
