A “once-in-a-lifetime” total solar eclipse is happening in Canada this year, but only a few provinces will get to enjoy the show. Here’s what to know.
According to NASA, the rare event will pass over parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
“A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun,” says NASA.
As a result, “the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.”
In some areas, the Moon’s shadow will completely cover the sun, causing a total solar eclipse and over three minutes of complete daytime darkness.
The path of the eclipse will begin in Mexico and travel upwards through several U.S. states before making its way to Canada.
NASA says that southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia will witness the eclipse.
Per Space.com, it will occur within a path of 185 kilometers wide and 16,000 km long, but the total solar eclipse will be one of the most urban eclipses for decades.
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A map shared by Time and Date lists which Canadian cities are directly in the pathway of the total solar eclipse.
Here are the cities that will land directly beneath the eclipse’s shadow, allowing for the best view:
- Kingston, Ontario
- St. Catharines, Ontario
- Belleville, Ontario
- Hamilton, Ontario
- Brockville, Ontario
- Niagara Region, Ontario
- Cornwall, Ontario
- Montreal, Quebec
- Sherbrooke, Quebec
- Fredericton, New Brunswick
- Miramichi, New Brunswick
- Summerside, Prince Edward Island
- Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador
The following regions are just outside of the pathway, but should still get to enjoy a great view:
- Greater Toronto Area, Ontario
- London-St. Thomas, Ontario
- Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Laval, Quebec
- Drummondville, Quebec
- Bathurst, New Brunswick
- Moncton, New Brunswick
- Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
Cities that are directly beneath the eclipse’s shadow will turn from daytime to total darkness, and a “sunset-like glow” will be visible in the distance at the edge of the shadow, according to The Weather Network back in April of last year.
The outlet has also called it a “once-in-a-lifetime” event, given how rare it is here in the north.
So, be sure to mark your calendars for Monday, April 8th, 2024.
If you don’t live in any of these regions, this might be the perfect excuse for a trip. After all, it may be your only chance to see a total solar eclipse in this part of the world.
