A Total Solar Eclipse Visible from Montréal!

April 5 2023 | Elisabeth Guil…

Next year, many across Québec will witness a rare and utterly breathtaking event: a total solar eclipse. It was back in 1972 that the last total solar eclipse was visible in Québec, and the last time such an event was visible in Montréal was... in 1932! This is a truly rare astronomical event you won’t want to miss! Here are all the things you need to know to get ready for this cool day. 

© ASTROLab
© ASTROLab

 

What is a Total Solar Eclipse Exactly?

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon travels in front of the Sun and casts a very dark shadow against the Earth. This shadow is called the umbra (also known as the “path of totality”). The area around the umbra where there is a partial shadow is called the penumbra. A total solar eclipse is what we see when we are directly inside the umbra. We see the Moon travel in front of the Sun and completely hide it from us for a little while. A partial solar eclipse is what we see when we are in the penumbra. 

© ASTROLab
© ASTROLab

 

A solar eclipse usually lasts a few hours, but the moment of “totality” —when the Sun is fully hidden by the Moon— usually lasts about two to three minutes. During this moment, the sky rapidly goes dark, as if night had suddenly fallen. This is when we can see the Sun’s corona. The corona is the name given to everything we see spilling beyond the dark spot made by the Moon (like the chromosphere, prominences and streamers). The corona is only visible to the naked eye during the moment of totality.  

How Can You Watch an Eclipse?

You need to prepare carefully if you want to watch an eclipse. You need the right tools to protect your eyes, because even if the Moon blocks out the Sun, its rays are still visible (and strong!) and can damage the nerve tissue at the back of your eyes (called retinas). On a regular day, your eyes will automatically resist when you try to stare directly at the Sun. When there is an eclipse, most of these rays are hidden which makes it seem safe to look at them directly, but it’s not! The Sun’s rays are powerful, and even just a few can burn your retinas. Only during the short moment of totality (and no longer) is it safe to look at an eclipse with the naked eye.

So, how can you avoid burning your eyes and still watch this beautiful astronomical event? You can use special glasses (like those available at the Science Centre on the big day – see more below!), watch it indirectly (using things you can find at home), or use a projector (which you can make yourself). All three of these methods will help you watch the Moon move into position (and out again) without harming your eyes. And in case you’re wondering, no, sunglasses will not protect your eyes during an eclipse!

© ASTROLab - Guillaume Poulin
© ASTROLab - Guillaume Poulin

 

When is the Big Day?

Next year in April (on April 8, 2024, to be exact), parts of Québec will be inside the penumbra and Montréal will be in the upper portion of the umbra, meaning that the moment of totality will be visible from there. Those in Montréal will be able to watch the eclipse start beginning at 2:14pm, enjoy the moment of totality somewhere between 3:26pm and 3:38pm (depending on where they are exactly) and watch the Moon recede and move completely away from the Sun by 4:36pm.

© ASTROLab

 

© ASTROLab

Where Can You Watch the Total Eclipse?

From Home, from School, or from Work!

A few days before April 8, head outside in the middle of the afternoon to find out exactly where the Sun is in the sky. This will tell you where to look for the eclipse on the big day!

At the Montréal Science Centre

The Science Centre will be an official viewing location on April 8, 2024, and will be handing out special glasses to everyone so they can enjoy this unique event. Join us!

Anywhere Inside the Umbra

Take a look at this map showing the path of the eclipse to learn about where the eclipse will be visible on the big day.

Seeing a total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event! Save the date! You don’t want to miss it!

 

Sources
Elisabeth Guillet-Beaulieu
Profile picture for user Elisabeth Guillet-Beaulieu

Elisabeth Guillet-Beaulieu joined the Montréal Science Centre team in December 2022. She is passionate about nature, the environment and science education too. She now works doing science research and outreach for the Science Centre. Her interests include biology as well and she has a particular fondness for astronomy, chemistry, and video games. Elisabeth has a Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and a Master’s degree in environmental science and sustainable development.

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