Mother Nature threatening to block partial solar eclipse across Fraser Valley
CHILLIWACK — Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the partial solar eclipse Monday in the Fraser Valley, may be disappointed by clouds that are threatening to block the view of the sun. Environment Canada’s Monday forecast in Chilliwack and Abbotsford is calling for rain through most of the day.
The moon will begin to block the sun’s rays to the Fraser Valley at 10:42 a.m. Monday (Apr. 8). The maximum coverage of the sun will occur at 11:32 a.m. when the moon blocks 30 per cent of the sun over the region. The moon’s disc will completely move off the sun about one hour later.
Locations in the path of totality will experience darkness even with cloud cover during a total solar eclipse. However, in a location such as the Fraser Valley, it will be difficult to notice any difference in brightness if clouds are covering the sun.
If the sun can peek through the clouds, Fraser Valley residents should take care to protect their eyes when trying to view the eclipse. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) warns we should never look directly at the Sun without using protective filters that comply with the ISO 12312-2: 2015 standard. Special eclipse glasses are sold in some stores. Welding glasses with the darkest shade level of 14 will also successfully protect the eyes.
