West Shore residents may notice the skies grow dark on Thursday (Oct. 23), during a partial eclipse of the sun.

The moon will cast a shadow on the Earth in the afternoon when it passes in front of the sun. A total solar eclipse will not be seen at any location on the planet, but the westernmost and northernmost areas of North America are considered by experts  to be the best places to view the partial eclipse.

In Greater Victoria, the eclipse at its peak will reach a maximum coverage of 55 per cent of the Earth.

Members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Victoria Centre plan to have their telescopes and viewing equipment out on Mount Tolmie for the event.

On the West Shore, the moon will begin moving across the face of the sun starting at about 1:32 p.m. when the sun is still high in the sky, and end at 4:19 p.m.

Solar eclipses should only be viewed through specially filtered telescopes or filtered glasses. Looking at solar eclipses without this equipment could result in serious eye damage.

Royal Astronomical Society members will use the proper filters when viewing the eclipse.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com