The path of a solar eclipse will cross over parts of Canada on April 8, a phenomenon that won’t happen again for 80 years, Canadian space experts say.
The eclipse’s “path of totality” will pass through some areas in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland on April 8. The path of totality refers to places people will see the sun entirely blotted out. While it passes there will be a few minutes of total darkness, CSA said.
“People outside the path of totality will be able to observe a partial solar eclipse, during which the sun is not hidden in totality.”
Montreal
Accommodations in Montreal are already filling up fast, with many people travelling to the area to take in the celestial event, according to data from Airbnb.Niagara Falls
Another popular destination for sky watchers, Niagara Falls is sure to make the solar eclipse viewing even more majestic. There will also be a big rock show set to follow the heavenly show, including a special performance by the Niagara Symphony Orchestra.Hamilton
Hamilton is just within the path of totality. Airbnb noted it is another popular location for seeing the solar eclipse. The last time a solar eclipse was visible from Hamilton was in 1925, according to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Hamilton Centre. It lasted for roughly one minute and 45 seconds.Kingston
Kingston also made the Airbnb list of top destinations to view the eclipse. It will be the first time an eclipse has passed this way for nearly 700 years, the local government said.“Kingston won’t be in the path of totality again until the year 2399,” the city said. Several viewing stations will be set up around the city.
Sherbrooke
This Quebec community will have more than three minutes of darkness as the sun and moon cross paths. The CSA estimates the eclipse to last three minutes and 26 seconds for those in this southern Quebec city.Gander
Newfoundland is touting itself as an ideal place to see the eclipse. CSA said skywatchers in Gander will enjoy more than two minutes of complete darkness as the sun and moon cross paths.Fredericton
Places in New Brunswick will also offer great views of the eclipse with more than two minutes of darkness, according to the CSA. The province’s capital city will be alive with events throughout the weekend for visitors of all ages, New Brunswick Tourism posted on its website. For the big day, the New Brunswick Centre of the RASC will host a public observing session, which includes telescopes and exhibits.Cape Breton
Several picturesque spots on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island will offer visitors an opportunity to see the total solar eclipse, including Meat Cove, Skyline Trial, Inverness Beach, Highland Village, and Chéticamp, Destination Cape Breton said on its website.Summerside
The eclipse is such a big deal in Prince Edward Island that students have been given the day off. While the decision was made with student safety in mind, it also means that families will be able to enjoy the event together. Summerside is expected to see the total eclipse for more than a minute.Solar Glasses
Viewing this rare celestial show may be exciting, but it’s important not to look at the sun without protective filters, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada warns.“Even when almost the entire sun is covered by the moon, light from the remaining visible crescent sun is intense enough to cause a retinal injury,” it said on its website.
Viewers are advised to buy glasses designed for viewing solar eclipses.
“Sunglasses (even multiple pairs), smoked glass and space blankets are not safe substitutes,” RASC said.