On August 12, astronomers and curious community members gathered in front of the Burke Building at Saint Mary’s to view the partial solar eclipse. Researchers and staff from SMU’s Burke-Gaffney Observatory (BGO) set up solar telescopes and provided eclipse glasses to anyone who wanted a safe glimpse of the event.

Halifax observed a partial eclipse with about 30% coverage, according to Tiffany Fields, Astronomy Technician for the BGO. In an interview with CBC News about the viewing event, Tiffany said, “Sharing this excitement, enthusiasm and wonder with the public is so vital and so important and also so fun. […] there’s sort of always that wonder of what’s going on in space. And so I really enjoy being able to share that with people.”

The Burke-Gaffney Observatory at Saint Mary’s is open to the public and focuses on education in the Department of Astronomy and Physics along with public outreach, including open houses and tours. Check the Burke-Gaffney Observatory website to learn more about upcoming solar and lunar events.

See videos below for news coverage of the event.