Stephen Bedingfield, a resident of Yellowknife, was inspired to start chasing solar eclipses after viewing a television broadcast of a total solar eclipse in Antarctica back in 2003. Currently in Spain with his wife, Bedingfield is witnessing his 13th total solar eclipse, marking his 23rd eclipse overall, including partial ones. The event, expected to last approximately two minutes, is being described by Bedingfield as a breathtaking experience comparable to seeing natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, Niagara Falls, and Mount Everest simultaneously.
While Bedingfield enjoys the eclipse in Spain, a total solar eclipse is set to be visible this week over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, northern Russia, and a portion of Portugal. Even though Canada won’t witness the total eclipse, there will be an opportunity to view a partial solar eclipse where the moon partially obscures the sun. Bedingfield emphasized the rare alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth during a total solar eclipse, highlighting it as a marvel not only on Earth but within the solar system.
Throughout his two decades of eclipse chasing, Bedingfield has established connections and a sense of community with fellow eclipse chasers worldwide. He remarked on the camaraderie among eclipse enthusiasts who gather at each event, making it an exciting and culturally enriching experience. Bedingfield noted the rapid environmental changes that occur during an eclipse, such as a significant temperature drop and shifts in wildlife behavior, contributing to the overall spectacle.
Experts recommend using proper eye protection to safely view the eclipse. Christa Van Laerhoven, from the Yukon Astronomical Society, advises using approved solar eclipse glasses or creating a pinhole projector as a safe viewing method. She emphasized the potential danger of looking directly at the sun, even during a partial eclipse, and suggested using alternative methods like natural pinhole projectors using leaves or trees. Van Laerhoven debunked the misconception that the sun is more harmful during an eclipse, stressing the importance of protecting one’s eyes when observing the celestial event.