The total solar eclipse is just two months away and there is a lot to know about it! On April 8th, 2024 the spectacular and rare celestial event is set to unfold over Canada, the United States and Mexico – here are all the details.

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What is the total solar eclipse?

The total solar eclipse is happening on April 8th, 2024 and will be visible in parts of Canada.

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse is “A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.”

Where

total solar eclipse
Image via The Canadian Space Agency

In Canada, the solar eclipse’s path of totality will pass through some cities and towns in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. Being in the path of totality will put these areas into darkness for a few minutes.

People outside the path of totality will be able to observe a partial solar eclipse, during which the Sun is not hidden completely.

The Canadian Space Agency lists the following Canadian towns as areas in the path of totality on April 8th:

  • Hamilton, Ontario at 3:18 PM ET
  • Belleville, Ontario at 3:21 PM ET
  • Montreal, Quebec at 3:26 PM ET
  • Sherbrooke, Quebec at 3:27 PM ET
  • Fredericton, New Brunswick at 4:33 PM AT
  • Miramichi, New Brunswick at 4:34 PM AT
  • Alberton, Prince Edward Island at 4:35 PM AT
  • Summerside, Prince Edward Island at 4:37 PM AT
  • Meat Cove, Nova Scotia at 4:39 PM AT
  • Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador at 5:12 PM NT

For more information on the timing of the eclipse and where in its path you are, check here.

How to view

We don’t blame you if you want to check this celestial event out, according to NASA the next total solar eclipse won’t be until August 23rd, 2044.

The Canadian Space Agency has created a guideline on how to safely view the solar eclipse, as it can be damaging to the eyes.

It’s suggested that during any solar eclipse, it’s imperative to wear special glasses with filters designed for eclipse watching (ISO 12312-2 international standard) to prevent eye damage as regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes properly.

If you don’t have special glasses designed for eclipse watching, there are other ways to watch an eclipse, such as an eclipse projector, which you can learn how to make here.

Local Impact

In Toronto, schools with the Toronto District School Board will be shutting down on April 8th, the day of the eclipse.

In a release, TDSB stated, “The PA Day originally scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2024, has been rescheduled and will now occur on Monday, April 8, 2024.”

“We are making this adjustment — approved during last night’s regular Board meeting — due to potential safety concerns with regard to a rare total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, that will put parts of Ontario into temporary darkness.”

TDSB followed up by sharing that the eclipse will occur around the dismissal times of many schools, raising concerns that children would be outside and possibly looking directly at the sun, without appropriate protection.

Now that you’re in the know, enjoy the eclipse safely, Toronto!

Total Solar Eclipse

When: Monday, April 8th, 2024
Where: Visible in Canada, the United States and Mexico

Taylor Lucas

Regional Editor – Taylor is a Toronto-based journalist with a passion for story-telling. Whether chasing a story, writing, or editing she brings a creative spin to the media world and has a blast doing it. Taylor brings years of journalism experience in sports, local/national news, and entertainment. In her spare time, you can typically find Taylor trying out a new restaurant or cocktail bar, cooking, golfing or binge-watching true crime documentaries.

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