Lunar and solar eclipses coming to the skies

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The countdown to the total lunar eclipse is on, and it will be visible in Fort St. John.

The astronomical phenomenon will start around 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26th, and it will be over by about 4:45 a.m.

The peak of the eclipse is expected between 4:08 and 4:26 a.m.

The moon will appear completely red during the peak and will be visible to the Southwest. Total Lunar Eclipses also go by the name blood moon.

The phenomenon is called Rayleigh Scattering, the same thing that causes colourful sunrises and sunsets.

“North America is poised to see some portion of the eclipse except for the Maritimes, where the moon will have set before the eclipse even begins. Lunar eclipses are very safe to observe and photograph,” says astronomer Gary Boyle.

Boyle says that’s not the only eclipse in the near future. Residents only need to wait until June 10th for another amazing sight.

“Two weeks after the lunar eclipse, there will be a spectacular sunrise partial solar eclipse, observed primarily from the upper eastern part of the continent. This is where precautions must be taken to prevent eye injury or blindness.”

Residents will need to get to high ground if they want to get a glimpse of the eclipse, as it will start below the horizon.

The maximum eclipse will occur between 4:16 and 4:18 a.m. Views should be unobstructed to the Northeast for the best opportunity to see the partial solar eclipse.