The Calgary solar eclipse is a rare and awe-inspiring event that occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth's surface. Calgary, being a city located in the western part of Canada, is not always in the path of totality for solar eclipses. However, on August 21, 2017, Calgary witnessed a partial solar eclipse, with the Moon covering approximately 60% of the Sun's disk.
Understanding Solar Eclipses
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s orbit brings it between the Earth and the Sun, aligning the three celestial bodies in a straight line. There are three types of solar eclipses: partial, annular, and total. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon only partially covers the Sun’s disk, while an annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon appears smaller than the Sun, creating a ring of light around the Moon. A total solar eclipse, the rarest and most spectacular type, occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s disk, revealing the Sun’s corona.
Solar Eclipse Path and Calgary’s Experience
The path of totality for the August 21, 2017, solar eclipse passed through the central United States, from Oregon to South Carolina. Calgary, located outside the path of totality, experienced a partial solar eclipse. The eclipse began at approximately 10:20 AM MDT, with the Moon covering about 60% of the Sun’s disk at its maximum point. The eclipse ended at around 1:00 PM MDT. Calgary’s partial solar eclipse was still an exciting event, with many residents and visitors gathering to witness the rare phenomenon.
| Eclipse Details | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | August 21, 2017 |
| Time of Maximum Eclipse | 11:40 AM MDT |
| Percentage of Sun's Disk Covered | 60% |
| Duration of Eclipse | Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes |
Scientific Significance and Observations
Solar eclipses offer scientists a unique opportunity to study the Sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere of the Sun. The corona is normally invisible, but during a total solar eclipse, it becomes visible as a white halo around the Moon. Scientists use solar eclipses to study the corona’s temperature, composition, and magnetic field. The August 2017 solar eclipse was also an opportunity for scientists to study the Sun’s magnetic field and its impact on the Earth’s magnetic field.
Future Solar Eclipses Visible from Calgary
Calgary will experience another partial solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, with the Moon covering approximately 40% of the Sun’s disk. The next total solar eclipse visible from Calgary will occur on September 2, 2099. However, it’s essential to note that the path of totality for solar eclipses is relatively narrow, and the timing and location of future eclipses can only be predicted with certainty using complex astronomical calculations.
| Future Eclipse Details | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | April 8, 2024 |
| Percentage of Sun's Disk Covered | 40% |
| Duration of Eclipse | Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes |
| Date of Next Total Solar Eclipse | September 2, 2099 |
What is the best way to observe a solar eclipse?
+The best way to observe a solar eclipse is by using proper eye protection, such as solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. It’s essential to never look directly at the Sun during an eclipse without proper eye protection.
Can I use regular sunglasses to observe a solar eclipse?
+No, regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection for observing a solar eclipse. The Sun’s intense radiation can still cause serious eye damage or blindness, even with sunglasses. Only use solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
How often do solar eclipses occur?
+Solar eclipses occur approximately twice a year, but most of them are partial eclipses. Total solar eclipses are relatively rare, occurring about once every 18 months on average, but are only visible from a specific path on the Earth’s surface.
