Atlantic Canada is set to experience what experts are calling the solar eclipse of a lifetime.
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. The Eclipse will also pass over Hamilton, Kingston, Sherbrooke and Montreal, marking the first time that highly populated Canadian cities will experience a total solar eclipse since one crossed over Winnipeg in 1979.
For about four minutes, people will be able to see the moon completely block out the sun, turning day into night for a moment. Officials have already begun ordering protective eyewear in anticipation of the eclipse and are reminding people how dangerous it can be to look directly at an eclipse without protection.
The eclipse is predicted to reach land in Mexico around 11 a.m. and leave newfoundland by 5:30 p.m. Areas that aren’t directly under the eclipse’s path will still be able to see it. One expert predicts that Toronto will be able to see 99 per cent of the eclipse despite not being in the direct path.
Experts say that the next opportunity for the Maritimes to see an eclipse like this won’t be until 2079.
