After witnessing a television broadcast showcasing a total solar eclipse in Antarctica back in 2003, Stephen Bedingfield from Yellowknife was inspired to embark on a quest to witness every eclipse possible. This week, accompanied by his wife, he has made it to Spain to witness his 13th total solar eclipse — his 23rd when including partial eclipses — with the event anticipated to last around two minutes.

Bedingfield likened the experience of a total solar eclipse to witnessing iconic natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, Niagara Falls, and Mount Everest all condensed into a single moment. Describing the magnificence of the event, he expressed that there is truly nothing quite like it.

While a total solar eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and parts of Russia on Wednesday, only a partial eclipse will be observable from Canada, where the moon will partially obscure the sun. Bedingfield emphasized that the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth during a solar eclipse creates a celestial spectacle that showcases the wonders of our solar system.

Throughout his twenty years of eclipse chasing, Bedingfield has connected with a community of fellow eclipse enthusiasts, forming bonds and sharing in the excitement of each event. He mentioned that chasing eclipses has allowed him to explore different cultures and meet diverse people around the world, turning it into a diary of unique experiences.

Bedingfield highlighted that while the eclipse itself may be fleeting, its impact on the environment is significant. He noted that temperatures can rapidly drop, bird behavior may change, and the overall ambiance shifts dramatically during an eclipse, making it a truly remarkable environmental phenomenon.

For those anticipating the partial eclipse in Northern regions like Yellowknife, Whitehorse, and Iqaluit, experts advise using proper eye protection to safely view the event. Christa Van Laerhoven, from the Yukon Astronomical Society, stressed the importance of approved solar eclipse glasses or DIY alternatives like creating a pinhole projector using simple materials like a box, paper, and foil.

Van Laerhoven also suggested that a leafy tree and its leaves with natural holes can serve as a makeshift pinhole projector for safe viewing. Emphasizing the need for caution when observing the sun, she dispelled the misconception that the sun is more dangerous during an eclipse, stating that looking directly at the sun is hazardous at any time.