On Monday next week people around the world, including Dominica, will witness a rare celestial event – a solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun.
Solar eclipses don’t come along every day, so it will be quite a treat to witness the event.
When the sun appears to be completely covered, it is known as a total solar eclipse. If part of the sun is still visible, it is known as a partial solar eclipse.
Viewers from Dominica will see a partial solar eclipse.
Solar eclipses occur because the moon orbits the Earth at an average of 239,000 miles – which is just the right distance for it to appear the same size in the sky as the much larger sun, which is 93 million miles away.
In Dominica, the eclipse will last two hours and 27 minutes.
It will start at 2:26 pm, peak at 3:44 pm and end at 4:53 pm.
Even when the sun is mostly obscured, direct exposure to its rays can cause eye damage. Eclipse glasses, solar filters for telescopes or homemade eclipse viewers are a necessity.
There are many videos on YouTube on how to make homemade eclipse viewers. CLICK HERE.
Video below shows how the eclipse will progress as seen from Dominica (the white circle represents the sun).
Unsuspecting eclipse viewers would be well advised to follow the safe procedures lest they suffer permanent blindness from damage of the retina. Viewing should NEVER be with the naked eye, sun glasses or through binoculars, telescopes, etc.
There are special filters which are designed for that purpose.
Be safe!
Excellent. I look forward to this rare event. Notice the lack of interest and posts on this occurrence. Hats off to the schools taking interest in this even during summer vacation. Enjoy the ‘treat’.
St. John’s catholic primary school’s science club has prepared for this eclipse and will be holding an eclipse viewing event on the day of the eclipse. They are encouraging the safe viewing of the solar eclipse by making available solar eclipse viewing glasses for purchase by the general public. These glasses are on sale at various locations around Portsmouth. DO NOT watch the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun with the naked eyes or ordinary sun glasses. Only use approved eye protection like the glasses sold by the St. John’s school science club.
Can we get the glasses in town?
The Portsmouth Primary School Science Club has for sale special glasses at a price of 10 Ecd that would allow one to view the eclipse safely . The proceeds will go towards the club for future projects. Please support the club in this endeavour. Glasses can be purchased at the school on or before the day. The members of the club and supporters and other students will gather at the school to view the event.
where else will this be sold?
Can someone please answer comment above and quickly.