Some traditions include shooting fiery arrows into the sky, while others believe in wearing red pants to prevent birthmarks.
The vast array of traditions and superstitions surrounding solar eclipses vary from culture and country, but next Monday, those living in the Comox Valley and on Vancouver Island will get an opportunity to create their own tradition while getting a good view of a rare solar eclipse.
“While it isn’t actually that rare to get a partial or annual eclipse, it is extremely rare to get a total eclipse (visible from B.C.),” explained Jennifer Fallis Starhunter, a mathematics, sciences and astronomy instructor for North Island College. She added a total eclipse occurs somewhere around the world about once every few years.
She noted the last time there was a significant partial eclipse in B.C. was in 1979.
While the Comox Valley is not directly in line with the ‘path of totality’ - a long narrow 115km wide strip beginning near Salem, OR and ending south of Atlanta, GA which will experience a complete solar blackout - the area should see around 85 per cent maximum obscurity.
Those in Victoria may have the best view in Canada - 91 per cent maximum coverage of the sun - which begins around 9:09 a.m. Aug. 21, with mid-eclipse around 10:20 a.m., and is set to end at 11:37 a.m.
The eclipse happens as a result of when the moon aligns between Earth and the sun, and the moon casts a shadow over the Earth. The fact that the sun and moon will appear almost the same size is thanks to a coincidence: while the moon is roughly 400 times smaller than the sun, it is about 400 times closer to the Earth.
Starhunter explained for those watching from the Valley, there should be a slight noticeable darkening of the sky - but those not watching may not notice a difference at all. See an example of what the eclipse will look like over the Valley here.
“The sun is really bright, and we’re used to cloud coverage. With 85 per cent coverage, it’s sort of like a cloud passing in front of the sun.”
For those wanting to take in the eclipse - which can be done anywhere outdoors - Starhunter strongly recommends using certified safe solar eclipse viewing glasses.
“There are a lot of home remedies out there, but if you can see things other than the sun when wearing them, they are not dark enough. The retina doesn’t have a pain sensor, so it’s possible to have damage and not even notice.”
Optometrist Alex Kennedy of Mosaic Vision Care in Courtenay noted observing the eclipse should only be done with “very, very, very dark glasses.”
“They do a few different things - they limit the amount of light and all UV, and infrared. When you look at the sun, it’s so bright that you really need a dark filter to see safely and comfortably.”
While a lot of people might be tempted to wear sunglasses, he warned they may not offer 100 per cent protection. Welding safety glasses or glassblowing glasses will not offer full protection either, he added.
With reports of fake eclipse glasses making their way online, Kennedy is one of only a handful of retailers in town selling certificated viewing glasses. They are available at both the 5th Street and Crown Isle locations for $5, with proceeds going to the upcoming Simon’s Cycles You Are Not Alone Ride.
As for capturing the event, Starhunter warns against using binoculars or even a camera or smartphone, as they “are not designed for solar images.”
“There’s going to be so many professional images out there afterwards; just put down the device and experience the moment.”