By Brent Bosker

Clear sky expected for eclipse

Dec 20, 2010 | 4:04 PM

It hasn't been seen in our skies since 1638, but a total lunar eclipse will make an appearance across Saskatchewan, Tuesday morning.

The same day as the Winter Solstice.

“If you start looking out there at about ten after two and it ends about ten after three you will get a pretty good view,” said Jeff Swick, president of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada's Saskatoon Branch.

A lunar eclipse is when the earth gets between the moon and the sun, meaning people are looking at the planet's shadow as it crosses the moon.

Swick says this eclipse should last about 72 minutes with 2:15 a.m. being the best viewing time.

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It's the first total eclipse in two years, but if you can't crawl out of bed for this one, another lunar eclipse will be briefly visible in Saskatchewan next December.

The skies over Prince Albert should be clear for viewing the eclipse.

David Phillips, Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada said he expect the clouds to burn off this evening making way for clear sky.

“So by the time that 1:30, 2:30 rolls around it should be a clear view and worth waiting up for, or getting up for,” he said.

To go along with the ideal weather, Phillips said Saskatchewan is one of the better places in Canada to observe the once in a life time event.

“I think you people should feel very fortunate … (to see) what promises to be a spectacular site in the sky.”

bbosker@panow.com