The Countdown is On! One Week Until Solar Eclipse in Manitoba

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NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

Manitoba is in for a rare celestial display of a solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. While it won’t be a total solar eclipse that will be seen in the eastern provinces, this partial eclipse is still an event you don’t want to miss as the Moon moves across and blocks part of the Sun.

Here's what you need to know about this event and how to observe it safely.

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Timing and Coverage

Residents across Manitoba will see at least 20%, with the northwest corner of the province seeing the least and coverage gradually increasing moving south and east to almost 60% coverage in the southeast corner.

   
Location   		    
Max Coverage   		    
Partial Begins   		    
Maximum   		    
Partial Ends   
   
Brandon   		    
49.39%   		    
12:52 PM   		    
1:58 PM   		    
3:03 PM   
   
Dauphin   		    
46.11%   		    
12:55 PM   		    
1:59 PM   		    
3:03 PM   
   
Morden   		    
53.97%   		    
12:52 PM   		    
2:00 PM   		    
3:06 PM   
   
Portage la Prairie   		    
51.67%   		    
12:54 PM   		    
2:00 PM   		    
3:06 PM   
   
Selkirk   		    
53.39%   		    
12:55 PM   		    
2:02 PM   		    
3:08 PM   
   
The Pas   		    
38.35%   		    
12:59 PM   		    
1:59 PM   		    
3:00 PM   
   
Thompson   		    
38.37%   		    
1:04 PM   		    
2:04 PM   		    
3:04 PM   
   
Winnipeg   		    
53.64%   		    
12:54 PM   		    
2:01 PM   		    
3:08 PM   

For specific eclipse coverage and timing in your location, you can go to timeanddate.com to find detailed information.

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Safety Measures

Safety is paramount when viewing any solar eclipse, even a partial one. To ensure a safe and memorable experience, follow these crucial precautions:

  • Solar Viewing Glasses: Never attempt to observe the eclipse with the naked eye. Only use certified solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification, specifically designed to protect your eyes from the Sun's harmful radiation.

  • Pinhole Projection: If eclipse glasses are unavailable, create a pinhole projector using common materials like cardboard. This indirect method allows you to project the eclipse safely onto a surface for viewing.

  • Telescopes and Binoculars: If using telescopes or binoculars, ensure they are equipped with proper solar filters to safeguard your eyes. Never aim them directly at the Sun without these protective measures.

  • Online Streaming: For those unable to view the eclipse in person or seeking a risk-free option, numerous reputable sources will provide live streaming of the event.

  • Local Eclipse Events: Consider joining local astronomy clubs or observatories hosting eclipse-viewing gatherings. These events offer expert guidance and a shared sense of community.

Please note that cloud cover could affect the ability to see the eclipse. Cloud cover is historically 50-70% for early April so be prepared for variable weather conditions and have alternative viewing options available.

Partial Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible Across Manitoba on April 8th

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NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

Manitoba is in for a rare celestial display of a solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. While it won’t be a total solar eclipse that will be seen in the eastern provinces, this partial eclipse is still an event you don’t want to miss as the Moon moves across and blocks part of the Sun.

Here's what you need to know about this event and how to observe it safely.

GOOGLE AD (NOT ENDORSED BY INSTANT WEATHER)

Timing and Coverage

Residents across Manitoba will see at least 20%, with the northwest corner of the province seeing the least and coverage gradually increasing moving south and east to almost 60% coverage in the southeast corner.

   
Location   		    
Max Coverage   		    
Partial Begins   		    
Maximum   		    
Partial Ends   
   
Brandon   		    
49.39%   		    
12:52 PM   		    
1:58 PM   		    
3:03 PM   
   
Dauphin   		    
46.11%   		    
12:55 PM   		    
1:59 PM   		    
3:03 PM   
   
Morden   		    
53.97%   		    
12:52 PM   		    
2:00 PM   		    
3:06 PM   
   
Portage la Prairie   		    
51.67%   		    
12:54 PM   		    
2:00 PM   		    
3:06 PM   
   
Selkirk   		    
53.39%   		    
12:55 PM   		    
2:02 PM   		    
3:08 PM   
   
The Pas   		    
38.35%   		    
12:59 PM   		    
1:59 PM   		    
3:00 PM   
   
Thompson   		    
38.37%   		    
1:04 PM   		    
2:04 PM   		    
3:04 PM   
   
Winnipeg   		    
53.64%   		    
12:54 PM   		    
2:01 PM   		    
3:08 PM   

For specific eclipse coverage and timing in your location, you can go to timeanddate.com to find detailed information.

GOOGLE AD (NOT ENDORSED BY INSTANT WEATHER)

Safety Measures

Safety is paramount when viewing any solar eclipse, even a partial one. To ensure a safe and memorable experience, follow these crucial precautions:

  • Solar Viewing Glasses: Never attempt to observe the eclipse with the naked eye. Only use certified solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification, specifically designed to protect your eyes from the Sun's harmful radiation.

  • Pinhole Projection: If eclipse glasses are unavailable, create a pinhole projector using common materials like cardboard. This indirect method allows you to project the eclipse safely onto a surface for viewing.

  • Telescopes and Binoculars: If using telescopes or binoculars, ensure they are equipped with proper solar filters to safeguard your eyes. Never aim them directly at the Sun without these protective measures.

  • Online Streaming: For those unable to view the eclipse in person or seeking a risk-free option, numerous reputable sources will provide live streaming of the event.

  • Local Eclipse Events: Consider joining local astronomy clubs or observatories hosting eclipse-viewing gatherings. These events offer expert guidance and a shared sense of community.

Please note that cloud cover could affect the ability to see the eclipse. Cloud cover is historically 50-70% for early April so be prepared for variable weather conditions and have alternative viewing options available.

Partial Solar Eclipse to Be Visible Across the Prairies on Saturday

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NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

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The Prairies are in for a celestial treat as we prepare to witness a partial view of the annular solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14, 2023. While not the full "ring of fire" experience seen in some parts of the world, this partial eclipse promises a captivating display of the Moon partially obscuring the Sun's disk.

Here's what you need to know about this event and how to observe it safely.

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Timing and Coverage

On Saturday, residents across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta will be treated to a partial glimpse of the annular solar eclipse. Though not a total eclipse, it will still offer a unique astronomical spectacle. The degree of coverage will vary across the region ranging from over 60% in Southwestern Alberta to 30% in Northeastern Manitoba.

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Solar Eclipse Timing Across the Prairies

Solar Eclipse Timing Across the Prairies

Location Max Obscuration Start Max End
Brandon (MB) 45.9% 10:25 AM CDT 11:39 AM 12:58 PM
Calgary (AB) 60.8% 9:14 AM MDT 10:26 AM 11:45 AM
Edmonton (AB) 53.6% 9:17 AM MDT 10:28 AM 11:44 AM
Fort McMurray (AB) 43.8% 9:23 AM MDT 10:31 AM 11:43 AM
Grande Prairie (AB) 54.7% 9:16 AM MDT 10:25 AM 11:39 AM
La Ronge (SK) 41.1% 9:26 AM CST 10:35 AM 11:48 AM
Lethbridge (AB) 63.1% 9:13 AM MDT 10:27 AM 11:47 AM
Lloydminster (SK) 50.5% 9:19 AM MDT 10:30 AM 11:46 AM
Medicine Hat (AB) 59.4% 9:15 AM MDT 10:29 AM 11:48 AM
Moose Jaw (SK) 52.1% 9:20 AM CST 10:33 AM 11:52 AM
Prince Albert (SK) 45.8% 9:23 AM CST 10:34 AM 11:49 AM
Red Deer (AB) 57.3% 9:15 AM MDT 10:27 AM 11:44 AM
Regina (SK) 50.7% 9:20 AM CST 10:34 AM 11:53 AM
Saskatoon (SK) 49.3% 9:20 AM CST 10:33 AM 11:50 AM
The Pas (MB) 39.2% 10:28 AM CDT 11:38 AM 12:52 PM
Thompson (MB) 31.9% 10:35 AM CDT 11:42 AM 12:52 PM
Winnipeg (MB) 42.0% 10:28 AM CDT 11:42 AM 1:00 PM

For specific eclipse coverage and timing in your location, you can go to timeanddate.com to find detailed information.

GOOGLE AD (NOT ENDORSED BY INSTANT WEATHER)

Safety Measures

Safety is paramount when viewing any solar eclipse, even a partial one. To ensure a safe and memorable experience, follow these crucial precautions:

  • Solar Viewing Glasses: Never attempt to observe the eclipse with the naked eye. Only use certified solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification, specifically designed to protect your eyes from the Sun's harmful radiation.

  • Pinhole Projection: If eclipse glasses are unavailable, create a pinhole projector using common materials like cardboard. This indirect method allows you to project the eclipse safely onto a surface for viewing.

  • Telescopes and Binoculars: If using telescopes or binoculars, ensure they are equipped with proper solar filters to safeguard your eyes. Never aim them directly at the Sun without these protective measures.

  • Online Streaming: For those unable to view the eclipse in person or seeking a risk-free option, numerous reputable sources will provide live streaming of the event.

  • Local Eclipse Events: Consider joining local astronomy clubs or observatories hosting eclipse-viewing gatherings. These events offer expert guidance and a shared sense of community.

GOOGLE AD (NOT ENDORSED BY INSTANT WEATHER)

GOOGLE AD (NOT ENDORSED BY INSTANT WEATHER)

Please note that cloud cover could affect the ability to see the eclipse. Be prepared for variable weather conditions and have alternative viewing options available. We will be closely tracking the forecast over the coming days and will have more updates on our social media pages.

As you anticipate the partial view of the annular solar eclipse on Saturday, remember to prioritize safety while immersing yourself in this celestial marvel. With proper precautions and a sense of awe, you can make the most of this extraordinary astronomical event.

ON THIS DAY: Canada's Only Confirmed F5 Tornado - Elie, Manitoba - June 22, 2007

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On June 22, 2007, Canada’s only F5 rated tornado destroyed parts of Elie, Manitoba. Canada adopted the Enhanced Fujita scale in 2013 so this will be the only F5 rated tornado in our history. With wind speeds in excess of 420 km/h, it caused $39 million dollars ($48 million in 2020 dollars) of damage destroying several houses, vehicles, and the town’s flour mill.

The tornado was narrow, given its strength, reaching a width of only 300 metres. It was on the ground for roughly 40 min and travelled about 6 km. The tornado winded its way through part of the town as can be seen in the figure below from Mccarthy, Patrick & Carlsen, Dave & Slipec, Jim. (2008). Elie, Manitoba, Canada, June 22, 2007: Canada's first F5 tornado. Houses were torn completely off of their foundations and a Chrysler Fifth Avenue was reportedly tossed onto a neighbour’s roof.

elietrack.png

Fortunately, no was killed and there were no seriously injuries. According to ECCC “Many residents were out of town attending a high school graduation ceremony, and those who were home knew what to do, seeking shelter in basements and placing mattresses over their head.”

Below are two videos from Justin Hobson’s channel who witnessed this historic event. The first one was taken by Justin and the second by the residents of Elie:

Events like this remind us that we must stay alert when there is severe weather in our region and, of course, have a plan! Also, we love your reports but please only take videos or photos if it safe to do so!

References and more information:

Canada’s First F5 Tornado, ECCC

2007 Elie, Manitoba tornado, Wikipedia

10 years later, Canada’s only F5 tornado remains in a class of its own, Washington Post

Manitoba: 2020 Summary of Tornadoes and Other Investigated Events

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NTP map of events

NTP map of events

Below is a summary of the events in Manitoba that were investigated by the Northern Tornadoes Project as of December 16, 2020. There are 7 confirmed tornadoes, 5 downbursts, and 4 unclassified wind damage events. Links to the summaries for the other provinces can be found here.

The details of the events are listed below and the comments are taken directly from the NTP Interactive Dashboard. Ground and drone survey photos of the Scarth EF3 tornado can be found here. Tip for viewing the table on a phone - try turning your phone so that you are in landscape mode.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by severe storms this year and our condolences remain with the families and friends of the two 18-year-olds who were tragically killed during the Scarth EF3 tornado.

2020 Provincial Summaries

More provinces will be added once their summaries are completed.