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.
It’s been about 50 years since the last total solar eclipse, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) said, predicting the next one to occur in 2106.
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.”
The path misses many of Canada’s major cities but does hit Montreal, making that a prime spot for viewing. It also crosses Niagara Falls, making for a great combination of scenery and eclipse watching. Here’s a look at these and other Canadian spots on the path of 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.“Montreal and the Niagara Region have emerged as two of North America’s most booked destinations over the solar eclipse weekend,” the company said in a news release. “Solar eclipse gazers in Montreal are in for a particular treat with this being the first total solar eclipse in Quebec in over 50 years.”
The eclipse is expected to last about a minute and a half in this area, according to the release. There won’t be another opportunity to see an eclipse in Montreal for 180 years.
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.The eclipse is expected to last more than three minutes in the region, offering one of the longest viewing times.
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.On April 8, the eclipse is expected to last one minute and 50 seconds. The next total eclipse for the area is predicted to be 2144.
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.
There are other communities in Ontario the government described as great places to see the eclipse. They are: Windsor Essex from Pelee Island to Point Pelee National Park, Elgin and Norfolk counties, Fort Erie, Bellville, and Cornwall.
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.Celebrations are planned at several locations around Sherbrooke, including at the Maison de l’eau of the Lucien-Blanchard park. The city has been dubbed a stellar location to take in the event, according to Airbnb Canada, because the eclipse will be visible for so long.
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.“From rugged coastlines to charming coastal villages, observers can enjoy the eclipse against the backdrop of the province’s unique and diverse scenery,” a government website said.
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.Other places in New Brunswick to view the eclipse include Miramichi, Doaktown, and any spots in the Western New Brunswick region, the article said.
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.The total eclipse will be visible for approximately one minute and 30 seconds, CSA said.
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.Other spots in PEI to see the eclipse include Tignish, Alberton, O’Leary, Tyne Valley, Wellington, Cavendish, and Kensington.
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.
