UPDATE: Overcast Skies Will Ruin Monday's Solar Eclipse Experience for Most Across Newfoundland
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NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE WHICH WILL BE EASIER TO READ.
It is now less than 24 hours until the total solar eclipse that will cross the skies over Newfoundland and being this close to the event, we’re very confident in what the conditions will be for viewing the eclipse. Newfoundland will be lucky enough to have the path of totality to cross the Island so clear skies are absolutely crucial in order to properly experience this once-in-a-lifetime event to its fullest with the drastic loss of sunlight, a drop in temperature and the visibility of the Sun’s corona.
Safety Warning
In order to safely enjoy the eclipse, it's crucial to use ISO 12312-2 certified solar glasses. Directly looking the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause serious, and possibly permanent, damage to your eyes. You can only view the eclipse without the glasses during the few minutes of totality. Solar glasses are designed to block harmful solar radiation and protect your eyes while allowing you to safely witness the event.
Never use makeshift viewing solutions like sunglasses or homemade filters, as they do not offer adequate protection against the sun's rays. Also, remember that the same rules apply to taking pictures with your phone. The sun can damage your camera’s sensors if you don’t have the proper solar filter (such as the same solar glasses for your eyes).
Your Guide to the Eclipse:
Our initial forecast showed that a majority of Newfoundland would be under clear or mostly clear skies for the eclipse on Monday afternoon, with cloud cover expected to be an issue across the Northern Peninsula, parts of Eastern Newfoundland and the Avalon. Unfortunately, the window of clear skies has shrunk considerably since we posted that initial forecast, which will make it difficult to view this special event.
Clouds will cover much of Newfoundland early Monday morning, but they will push eastward throughout the morning, leaving only Eastern Newfoundland and the Avalon with overcast skies by the lunch hour. This cloud cover will last through the afternoon, with slight breaks possible in which the eclipse may be seen. In the early afternoon, more clouds begin to move in from the west, blanketing Western Newfoundland by the beginning of the eclipse. These clouds will be denser than those in the east, making viewing the eclipse a much harder task.
It seems that the best chance to see the total eclipse will be from Gander to Grand Falls-Windsor and south to the South Shore. Beyond the path of totality, the Burin Peninsula will offer clear skies for viewing the partial eclipse.
