Solar EclipseOn August 21st at 10:19am Metro Vancouver will get to witness the much-hyped solar eclipse. According to a great interactive map, created by CBC, those of us opting to stay in Metro Vancouver will experience 86% coverage. If you are looking to experience the supposedly surreal totality of the solar eclipse the location nearest Metro Vancouver is Depose Bay, Oregon.

Solar Eclipse Events in Metro Vancouver:

Eclipse Total Alignment
Date: August 17, 2017
Time: 6:30pm – 10pm
Where: HR MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver

Social Eclipse 2017
Date: August 21, 2017
Time: 8:45am – noon
Where: HR MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver

Solar Eclipse
Date: August 21, 2017
Time: 9:1a0m – 11:37am
Where: UBC Robson Square, Vancouver

Solar Eclipse @ UBC
Date: August 21, 2017
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Where: UBC Department of Physics & Astronomy

Tips for Successfully Viewing the Solar Eclipse:

  1. This is a big one! Don’t look at the eclipse with the naked eye. The ultraviolet light can cause a number of eye disorders. Our bodies have a natural aversion to looking directly at the sun. With the moon blocking the intensity of the sun the temptation to have a quick peek will be great. According to Sciencing.com a quick peek at the precise moment of totality MAY be okay, but seeing as we aren’t getting complete totality in Metro Vancouver it is best not to look directly at the eclipse.
  2. Get your hands on a pair of solar eclipse glasses. Various stores are selling the eyeware. Fort Langley National Historic Site is actually giving away solar eclipse glasses to the first 100 visitors on August 21st. The big gates open at 10am.
  3. Make a pinhole camera. The folks at NASA have put together this super helpful video on how to make a pinhole camera out of a cereal box.