Amateur Ottawa Valley astronomer Andy Kalnins is in awe of this photograph of the April 8 total solar eclipse, taken by his friend Trevor Picard at Turkey Point on Lake Erie.
He’s been interested in astronomy since he was a child and Andy Kalnins of McNab-Braeside was not left disappointed after the April 8 solar eclipse.
The almost 70-year-old Kalnins helped lead a contingent of people from the Ottawa Valley on an excursion to Kingston, which experienced totality (expectation was 96 per cent here). The trip was arranged through St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arnprior, and an event was also held at the church on Monday afternoon.
The group, about 15 adults and five children, rented a room at the Kingston library so they’d have a space to have lunch and gather around the eclipse.
Conditions allowed for an incredible viewing experience, he said.
Kalnins said he’s struggling to find words to describe the experience.
Most all of those around him were just in awe. And for many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
It was an event that underscores the importance of science.
He urges the public to seek out and view the new moon in the coming days, noting a solar eclipse can only occur during a new moon, while a lunar eclipse takes place during a full moon. The new moon should be visible as a very thin crescent.
Astronomy and all things celestial can be a fascinating hobby, one that Kalnins encourages others to consider.
In terms of what to watch the skies for next, he said there’s always meteor showers, including the major Perseid meteor shower in August, around which an event at Clay Bank Park is usually held, to keep eyes open for.
And the Ottawa branch of the Royal Astronomical Society hosts public star nights in Carp, which is a good way to learn about astronomy and what’s happening in the night sky.
(Written by: Sherry Haaima)
One minute before totality on April 8 during the solar eclipse in Kingston.
During totality on April 8 in the midst of the total solar eclipse in Kingston.