Wednesday brings a double astronomical event to the skies over New Brunswick. You will have an excellent view of a partial solar eclipse in the afternoon followed by the peak of the Perseids meteor shower at night. According to a recent report from CBC News, local astronomers and eye care professionals urge you to prepare for safe viewing.

Afternoon Sky Show The Partial Solar Eclipse

While parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain experience a total solar eclipse, Atlantic Canadians get a partial view. The moon crosses in front of the sun and blocks a portion of its light.

In Saint John, the eclipse begins at 1:55 p.m. Atlantic Time and reaches maximum coverage at 2:55 p.m. Other areas see similar timelines. Edmundston starts at 1:48 p.m., Fredericton at 1:52 p.m. and Moncton at 1:53 p.m.

Saint John amateur astronomer Chris Curwin explains the mechanics. “The moon is either usually five degrees above us or five degrees below us in a path that we call the ecliptic,” Curwin said. “So, the moon has to be completely lined up, and obviously it has to be the right distance away from us to make sure that it can actually block out the disc of the sun.”

Eye Safety Remains Crucial

You must wear certified solar eclipse glasses for the entire duration of the event. Unlike the total solar eclipse in April 2024, there is no safe moment to remove your glasses during a partial eclipse.

Dieppe optometrist Dr. Alexis Keeling advises checking your glasses for scratches before use. Ensure they feature the proper international safety certification number. This special coating protects your retina and macula from severe burns.

Looking directly at the sun causes solar retinopathy. This condition leads to irreversible blindness. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 24 hours after exposure.

“If there’s damage that’s done, it usually happens the next morning,” Keeling said. “The person wakes up and notices a big black spot in their central vision, and that’s why it’s imperative we do not look at the sun unless we’re wearing specialty approved glasses.”

New Brunswick recorded zero cases of solar retinopathy during the April eclipse. Keeling expects to see the same perfect safety record this time.

Nighttime Spectacle The Perseids Meteor Shower

The astronomical events continue after dark. The Perseids meteor shower peaks late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

This year delivers an exceptional show. The peak coincides with a new moon and provides the darkest possible skies. Curwin notes this makes it one of the best viewing opportunities in the past decade.

“That means there’ll be no moon in the sky that evening, which means that you’re going to get the darkest skies possible,” Curwin said.

The best viewing time falls between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Thursday. If you prefer an earlier bedtime, you will catch meteors starting around 10 p.m. Wednesday. Find a dark location and give your eyes time to adjust to the night sky.

Join the Saint John Viewing Party

You can join fellow space enthusiasts at the Irving Nature Park upper parking lot on Wednesday. Curwin and other astronomers host a public observation event.

The team sets up telescopes equipped with solar filters from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the eclipse. They return from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. with nearly 30 telescopes to watch the meteor shower.

“To have two events like this right close together and have the opportunity to share it with others is my goal,” Curwin said.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the partial solar eclipse start in Saint John?

The partial solar eclipse begins at 1:55 p.m. Atlantic Time and reaches its maximum coverage at 2:55 p.m.

Can I reuse my eclipse glasses from April 2024?

Yes. You can reuse your glasses if they have the proper safety certification and are free of scratches or damage.

When is the best time to watch the Perseids meteor shower?

The absolute best time is between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Thursday. However, you will see meteors around 10 p.m. on Wednesday night.

Where is the public viewing event in Saint John?

The public viewing event takes place at the Irving Nature Park upper parking lot. The afternoon session runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The evening session runs from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.