It’s nearly time! This April, the total solar eclipse will be visible over parts of Canada but what should you keep in mind before looking up?
From what it is and where you’ll be able to see it to necessary safety precautions, here are 5 things to know about this rare celestial event.
What is a total solar eclipse?
An exciting occasion that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, the total solar eclipse will temporarily darken the sky as if it were dawn or dusk.
Weather permitting. those on the ground might even be able to see what’s called the ‘Sun’s corona,’ the outer atmosphere of our neighbouring star, which is otherwise obscured by its bright light.
When and where can you see it?
Cancel your plans on Monday, April 8th, 2024!
According to the Canadian Space Agency, only those in Hamilton and Belleville, Ontario, Montreal and Sherbrooke, Quebec, Fredericton and Miramichi, New Brunswick, Alberton and Summerside, PEI, Meat Cove Nova Scotia and Gander NL will be in the true path of totality, but don’t fret!
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It may look a little different in each province, but all Canadians will still see a partial eclipse at the times listed below:
Can’t wait? Get ready and stay ready, because this event really is a rarity.
While partial solar and lunar eclipses take place regularly in Canada, the next total solar eclipse will not take place until 2044 – or 2106 if you’re in Quebec.
How to view the 2024 total solar eclipse
While this will be an exciting time, please prepare yourselves, Canada!
During the total solar eclipse, it will be extremely important to wear glasses with a filter specially designed for the event.
To prevent eye damage, the Canadian Space Agency recommends looking through ISO 12312-2 international standard lenses and NOT regular sunglasses.
You can also make an eclipse projector using a cardboard box, paper and aluminum foil.
How to take photos of the eclipse
Want to document the event? Any camera will work, but according to NASA, the light of the sun could do some damage if you’re not careful!
“To take images when the Sun is partially eclipsed, you’ll need to use a special solar filter to protect your camera, just as you’ll need a pair of solar viewing glasses (also called eclipse glasses) to protect your eyes,” they explain.
“However, at totality, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun, make sure to remove the filter so you can see the Sun’s outer atmosphere – the corona.”
How will air travel be affected?
If you’re among those in the air at the time of the eclipse there are a few things to note.
As per the Air Line Pilots Association, aircrews have been told to prepare for “darkening of sky and nighttime landing conditions during totality within the path of totality.”
“Just before and after totality or outside the path, expect dusk/dawn-like conditions to dark overcast-like conditions,” they continued.
Whether you’re able to see the eclipse as a passenger, however, will depend on the airline.
Those flying with WestJet, for example, will receive an additional pre-flight safety announcement if they are on a flight that may intersect with the eclipse and should bring their own eclipse glasses.
We recommend that you check with your chosen airline before heading to the airport on the big day, but there you have it!
This really will be something special and we can’t wait to see it for ourselves.
Happy viewing and good luck.
