On Saturday 14th October there will be an Annular Eclipse. The Moon’s distance from the Earth means the Moon’s apparent size is not quite enough to completely cover the Sun (as in a total solar eclipse). During an Annular eclipse the Moon nearly covers the Sun, leaving a ‘ring of fire’. You will only see that though if you are in the path of annular totality. In Nanaimo we will not see the ring of fire but will have a partial (77% covered) eclipse. At no point during the eclipse is it safe to look at the sun without appropriate safety viewing glasses or telescopes fitted with solar filters.

The Astronomy Society plan to host a public viewing event (weather permitting) from Pipers Lagoon. We will have solar viewing telescopes and solar glasses for the public to use. We will be set up on the field next to the parking lot. There is an open ridge by the beach which has ideal viewing over to the SE. We will be there setting up between 7.30-8am.

The eclipse will be visible low on the SE horizon starting at 8.08am. Maximum eclipse in Nanaimo will be 77% at 9.19am. And the eclipse will end at 10.37.

Weather may force us to cancel this public viewing. Keep an eye on our website and our Facebook page for upto date information.