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Apr. 8 2024

Total Solar Eclipse presented by Cirque du Soleil

Free event! On the afternoon of April 8, 2024, an incredible total solar eclipse will be visible from parts of southern Québec. Join us in front of the Science Centre!

An event presented by : logo 40 ans cirque du soleil

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event

  • The last one in Montréal took place in 1932.
  • No other total solar eclipse is foreseen here for the next 180 years.
  • This eclipse will be visible from Southern Québec and... in front of the Science Centre!

 

An Event to Experience Together

Watching an eclipse together makes it all the more memorable. The sky gets dark, crickets chirp as if it were nightfall, the magnificent solar corona becomes visible to the naked eye… it’s positively spine-tingling. Experiencing it together makes it all the more exciting!

 

The Montréal Science Centre – A Free Ideal Place for Eclipse Watchers

The Science Centre will be a free official viewing location. Everyone is invited to join us in front of the building to watch the eclipse happen right above the city. Free eclipse glasses will be available, and there will be special activities and exclusive contests too! 

Register for our Facebook event

 

Activity Schedule

  • 1pm: Distribution of eclipse glasses begins 
  • 2pm: Livestreaming of the eclipse from elsewhere in the US and Canada begins 
  • 2pm to 4:30pm: Scientific activities
  • 2:14pm: The eclipse begins  
  • 3:27pm: The big moment! The moment of totality begins and lasts about 90 seconds  
  • 4:36pm: End of the eclipse  

Highlights you don’t want to miss! 

  • Science Centre educators will explain the science of eclipses 
  • Livestreaming of the eclipse from other Canadian cities on a giant screen 
  • A giant pair of eclipse glasses – the biggest in Québec!
  • Animation by Cirque du Soleil
  • A Cirque du Soleil contest (see below)

USEFUL INFO

  

Get your free eclipse glasses from one of three spots on the site: in front of the Science Centre, in front of Alexandra Quay, and in front of Jacques Cartier Quay. 

Eclipses glasses available while supplies last. You can always share your glasses! The eclipse lasts for awhile and you don’t need to wear the glasses at all during the moment of totality. So don’t worry, you won’t miss a thing!

For those with mobility limitations and visitors with special needs, a quiet area will be available in front of the Horizon of Khufu building, located at 2 de la Commune Ouest. Our team is excited about welcoming you there and help you enjoy the eclipse to the fullest. Spaces are limited. First-come, first-served! 

site map

Many of you have questions as the big day approaches: What’s the best way to watch? How safe is it? The Montréal Science Centre team has answers to some of the most common questions. Here they are!

READ THE ARTICLE

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL CONTEST

A chance to win of three prizes that include :

  • a family package* to the show KURIOS - Cabinet of Curiosities on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 4pm
  • a family package* to the Science Centre

To enter! Exclusive contest for those on site for the big day! Find the QR codes posted across the site, scan one, and enter the contest! 

*Good for 4 people 

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