Stephen Bedingfield, a resident of Yellowknife, became fascinated with chasing solar eclipses after witnessing one in Antarctica in 2003. Accompanied by his wife, he is currently in Spain pursuing his 13th total solar eclipse, which will be his 23rd eclipse overall. The event is anticipated to last approximately two minutes. Describing the experience, Bedingfield likened it to witnessing the Great Barrier Reef, Niagara Falls, and Mount Everest simultaneously, emphasizing the uniqueness of a total solar eclipse.

While a total solar eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and northern Russia, as well as a small part of Portugal on Wednesday, Canada will only have the opportunity to observe a partial solar eclipse where the moon partially covers the sun. Bedingfield highlighted the celestial alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth as the spectacle’s captivating aspect, underscoring its significance not just as a terrestrial wonder but a marvel of the solar system.

Throughout his two-decade journey as an eclipse chaser, Bedingfield has formed connections with fellow enthusiasts, creating a community of eclipse chasers. He expressed the thrill of experiencing diverse cultures and environments while attending these celestial events. Bedingfield mentioned the environmental changes during an eclipse, such as a sudden drop in temperature and shifts in bird behavior, enhancing the overall experience.

Expert advice from Christa Van Laerhoven, Vice President of the Yukon Astronomical Society, emphasized the importance of using proper eye protection to view the eclipse. Residents in Yellowknife, Whitehorse, and Iqaluit were provided with peak times and percentages of sun coverage during the partial eclipse. Van Laerhoven recommended using approved solar eclipse glasses or creating at-home alternatives like a pinhole projector using simple materials.

Van Laerhoven debunked the misconception that the sun is more hazardous during an eclipse, cautioning that direct sun observation is risky at all times. She described the eclipse viewing experience using protective measures, comparing the sun’s appearance to that of Pac-Man with a crescent shape due to the moon’s coverage.