Yellowknife resident Stephen Bedingfield was inspired to start chasing solar eclipses after watching one in Antarctica in 2003. This week, he and his wife are in Spain for his 13th total solar eclipse, marking his 23rd eclipse overall. The event is expected to last approximately two minutes. Bedingfield described the eclipse as a magnificent experience, likening it to seeing the Great Barrier Reef, Niagara Falls, and Mount Everest all at once.

Although a total solar eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and northern Russia, along with a small part of Portugal, it won’t be seen in Canada. However, Canadians will have the opportunity to witness a partial solar eclipse where the moon partially covers the sun. Bedingfield highlighted the rarity of the celestial event, showcasing the perfect alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth.

Throughout his two decades of eclipse chasing, Bedingfield has formed friendships and found a community of fellow eclipse enthusiasts. He emphasized the environmental changes that occur during an eclipse, such as a sudden drop in temperatures and shifts in wildlife behavior, making it a unique and spectacular sight.

Christa Van Laerhoven, from the Yukon Astronomical Society, advised viewers in Yellowknife, Whitehorse, and Iqaluit to use proper eye protection when observing the partial eclipse. She recommended approved solar eclipse glasses or DIY alternatives like a pinhole projector made from simple household items. Van Laerhoven also dispelled the misconception that the sun is more dangerous during an eclipse, emphasizing the risks of looking directly at the sun regardless of the eclipse phase.