On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross Canada and the United States, offering a rare and unforgettable celestial show. Montreal lies right on the eclipse’s line of centrality, which means that the city will be plunged into darkness for about two minutes. This solar eclipse hasn’t been seen in Montreal since 1932, and won’t happen again until July 2205.
Where to see the eclipse in Montreal?
The city of Montreal is ideally placed in the path of the total solar eclipse. Neighborhoods such as Mile-End, Plateau Mont-Royal, Downtown, Old Montreal, South-West, Hochelaga, Kirkland, Lachine, Dorval, … will benefit from the total eclipse, while others, further north, will see the partial eclipse.
The map below shows the total eclipse corridor.
What is a solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking out the sunlight. This phenomenon can only occur during a new moon, when the Moon is located between the Earth and the Sun.
What time is the total solar eclipse?
The solar eclipse will take place in three stages. First, the moon will gradually block out the sun, then hide it completely, plunging Montreal into darkness, before retreating and giving way to the sun.
The solar eclipse will begin in Montreal at 2:14 pm, reaching its maximum at 3:26 pm. The totality will last approximately 90 seconds, and the eclipse will end at 4:36 pm.
2:14pm: start of the phenomenon. The moon will begin to hide the sun
3.05pm: you’ll be gradually plunged into shadow
3.26pm: the moon completely covers the sun
3.28pm: end of total solar eclipse, the moon begins to leave
4:36pm: end of solar eclipse
What are the safety instructions?
What events are planned in Montreal?
It’s important never to look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse. To observe the eclipse safely, you need special solar viewing glasses. You can find them at events location as Parc Jean-Drapeau and the Centre des sciences de Montréal, for exemple.
Important note: don’t watch the eclipse with conventional sunglasses. Get special glasses. Watching the sun without protective equipment can cause serious, irreversible damage to the eyes.
Refer to the official website to prepare for the total solar eclipse in Quebec on April 8, 2024: visit the website here
Several events and activities will be organized in Montreal to celebrate the total solar eclipse:
Eclipse of the Century at Parc Jean-Drapeau: visit the website
Total solar eclipse presented by Cirque du Soleil | Centre des sciences de Montréal: visit the website
Tips for enjoying these events:
Arrive early. The best places to observe the eclipse will probably be crowded, so it’s important to arrive early to find a good spot.
Prepare your equipment. Make sure you have sun-certified viewing glasses, a camera and a tripod if you want to take photos.
Be patient. The total eclipse will only last a few minutes, so take the time to enjoy the experience and share it with your loved ones.
