A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon completely blocks out the Sun’s rays on a small section of the Earth’s surface. That section is also referred to as ‘the path of totality’.
In Muskoka, we’re expected to see a partial solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, with an obscuration rate of at least 95 per cent, according to TimeAndDate. The eclipse is expected to last for 2h, 26m, 43s and start on April 8 at 2:04:58 pm.
Queen’s University Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy, which is located in Kingston, one of the cities in the path of totality, will be giving out free glasses to view the eclipse to community members. Other cities in the path of totality include, but are not limited to, Niagara Falls (said to be the best place in Canada to view the total eclipse), Hamilton, and Montreal—these areas are in the path of totality. They will experience a total solar eclipse and an influx of people looking for the best place to experience this rare cosmic event.
Throughout history, belief systems have interpreted an eclipse in many ways. It’s been seen as an omen, a conflict between the Sun and the Moon, and a disruption of the natural order. It’s also been viewed as courtship and companionship, according to Destination Ontario, which has put together a whole section on the eclipse.
The last total solar eclipse experienced in Ontario was on February 26, 1979, and the next one isn’t expected to happen until 2099.
The red-dotted area is the path of totality from where a total eclipse can be experienced. Huntsville (indicated on the map) will experience an obscuration rate of about 95.09%, while Gravenhurst is expected to experience an obscuration rate of 97.26%. More on this at TimeAndDate
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