UPDATE:

It doesn't look like Winnipeggers will be getting a view of today's celestial phenomenon.

The Manitoba Museum is still hosting a viewing party but there won't be anything happening outdoors. Inside the Planetarium, the museum is playing live feeds from NASA and hosting some kids activities as well.

The museum's science gallery animator Malaïka Brandt-Murenzi says the next total solar eclipse visible near Winnipeg will be in 2263.

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Let's hope the clouds disperse because the first total solar eclipse to spread across the contiguous United States in 38 years happens today -- although it doesn't look likely.

The Manitoba Museum's science gallery animator Malaïka Brandt-Murenzi says eclipses are extremely local events, and Winnipeg will (hopefully) see about a 70 per cent eclipse.

 

 

The peak in Winnipeg will be around 12:57.

Do not look at the eclipse unless you have the proper protection. Brandt-Murenzi says you absolutely need protective eye wear.

 

 

Unfortunately, if you don't have your eclipse glasses yet, they're hard to come by, having sold out at the museum and at optometrists offices.

The museum is holding a free viewing party from 11:30 to 2:30.