Monday’s solar eclipse may be the most-watched one in human history

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This article was published 17/08/2017 (2442 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The sun, the earth, the moon and you will perfectly align on Monday morning.

At least that’s how Brenden Petracek, president of the Winnipeg chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, heard the solar eclipse described before.

“When you think about it, it’s just by chance that our moon is the right size, it’s situated in the right position, our sun is the right size…everything matches up just perfectly for this to happen.”

Around 11:30 a.m., the moon will start to pass between the sun and the earth, reaching a 70 per cent partial eclipse around noon.

“In Winnipeg, there will be no noticeable effect on the brightness of the sun, but you can still look up with your protective eyewear and see the moon taking a chunk out of the sun,” said Petracek.

The last total solar eclipse in Winnipeg occurred in 1979, but they happen every year, often in parts of the world where there isn’t much of an audience.

“What makes this one special is that it’s a total solar eclipse that’s going from coast to coast through the United States.”

If you’re thinking of making a last-minute trip to the “path of totality,” a narrow strip of land in the U.S. between Oregon and South Carolina where sky-gazers can catch the total eclipse — think again.

“Everything’s been booked up solid for a year. I was reading online yesterday that you probably can’t even rent a car in Portland right now. Airbnb places are going for thousands of dollars a night.”

Petracek is driving to Nebraska to see the total eclipse, where the sky will darken, stars will appear, the temperature will drop and Petracek will “really take in the amazing astronomical rarity that is a solar eclipse.”

For a special eclipse experience in Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba and The Manitoba Museum will host free viewing parties, providing people with telescope viewings, live streams of the total eclipse, and the all-important solar glasses.

Regular sunglasses don’t block enough light to protect the eyes from permanent damage, unfortunately, suppliers of solar glasses in Winnipeg have already sold out their stock.

"Our 52 stores and website were well-stocked with thousands of pairs of solar shades but last-minute demand has truly been astronomical " said Beth Merrick, a spokesperson at Mastermind Toys.

With millions of people in the path of totality and millions more with access to online streaming, a recent National Geographic article suggests Monday’s solar eclipse will be the most witnessed sky-watching event in human history.

That’s saying something, given that humans have been observing eclipses for centuries, regarding them as superstitious symbols and opportunities for scientific study.

In 1919, the eclipse was instrumental in the first test of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity.

This year, NASA is funding a handful of projects to study the sun and its effects on earth.

“I think it’s (solar eclipses) are just a wonderful example of how humans have grown to understand the universe and our place in it,” said Petracek.

“It’s a really beautiful mix of science and the human spirit.”

The next total solar eclipse visible in Canada is predicted for April 2024.

keila.depape@freepress.mb.ca