The Countdown is On! One Week Until Solar Eclipse in Ontario
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Ontario is in for a rare celestial display of a solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. The entire province will be able to witness this, and small stretch of Southern Ontario will be treated to a very brief total solar eclipse with a “ring of fire” as the Moon moves across and obscures the Sun.
Here's what you need to know about this event and how to observe it safely.
Timing and Coverage
Residents across Northern Ontario will see at least 50% of total sun coverage, with the Northwestern edge of the province seeing the least and coverage gradually increases moving south and east to just under 90% once reaching Southern Ontario.
This will be a spectacular partial eclipse for Northern Ontario, but Southern Ontario is in for a real treat. The whole region will see more than 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon. However, along most the northern shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, as well as in the Niagara Region, up into the northern edges of both Norfolk and Haldimand Counties, into the southern extent of Brant County to Hamilton and even around Burlington Bay to include the City of Burlington, residents and visitors will be able to witness a full solar eclipse for a couple short minutes.
Unfortunately, the most heavily populated area of the Lake Ontario lakeshore, from Oakville across the City of Toronto to Bowmanville, will be just outside of the path of totality.
Solar Eclipse Timing Across Southern Ontario
| Location |
Max Coverage |
Partial Begins |
Totality Begins |
Maximum |
Totality Ends |
Partial Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bancroft |
97.69% |
2:08 PM |
- |
3:22 PM |
- |
4:33 PM |
| Barrie |
97.61% |
2:05 PM |
- |
3:19 PM |
- |
4:31 PM |
| Cornwall |
100% |
2:12 PM |
3:24 PM |
3:26 PM |
3:27 PM |
4:35 PM |
| Hamilton |
100% |
2:03 PM |
3:18 PM |
3:19 PM |
3:20 PM |
4:31 PM |
| Huntsville |
95.09% |
2:06 PM |
- |
3:20 PM |
- |
4:31 PM |
| Kingston |
100% |
2:09 PM |
3:22 PM |
3:23 PM |
3:25 PM |
4:34 PM |
| Kitchener-Waterloo |
99.42% |
2:03 PM |
- |
3:18 PM |
- |
4:30 PM |
| London |
99.76% |
2:01 PM |
- |
3:17 PM |
- |
4:29 PM |
| Niagara Falls |
100% |
2:04 PM |
3:18 PM |
3:20 PM |
3:21 PM |
4:31 PM |
| North Bay |
91.28% |
2:07 PM |
- |
3:20 PM |
- |
4:31 PM |
| Oshawa |
99.82% |
2:05 PM |
- |
3:20 PM |
- |
4:32 PM |
| Ottawa |
98.85% |
2:11 PM |
- |
3:25 PM |
- |
4:35 PM |
| Peterborough |
99.45% |
2:07 PM |
- |
3:21 PM |
- |
4:32 PM |
| Squirrel Depot |
95.31% |
2:09 PM |
- |
3:23 PM |
- |
4:33 PM |
| Toronto |
99.92% |
2:04 PM |
- |
3:19 PM |
- |
4:31 PM |
| Windsor |
99.54% |
1:58 PM |
- |
3:14 PM |
- |
4:27 PM |
Solar Eclipse Timing Across Northern Ontario
| Location |
Max Coverage |
Partial Begins |
Maximum |
Partial Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armstrong |
64.58% |
2:02 PM EDT |
3:11 PM EDT |
4:19 PM EDT |
| Atikokan |
65.40% |
12:57 PM CDT |
2:07 PM CDT |
3:16 PM CDT |
| Chapleau |
80.57% |
2:04 PM EDT |
3:16 PM EDT |
4:26 PM EDT |
| Cochrane |
79.55% |
2:08 PM EDT |
3:19 PM EDT |
4:28 PM EDT |
| Dryden |
60.55% |
12:58 PM CDT |
2:06 PM CDT |
3:14 PM CDT |
| Elliot Lake |
86.68% |
2:03 PM EDT |
3:17 PM EDT |
4:27 PM EDT |
| Espanola |
88.35% |
2:04 PM EDT |
3:18 PM EDT |
4:28 PM EDT |
| Fort Frances |
63.05% |
12:55 PM CDT |
2:05 PM CDT |
3:14 PM CDT |
| Fort Hope |
62.26% |
2:05 PM EDT |
3:13 PM EDT |
4:19 PM EDT |
| Geraldton |
69.34% |
2:03 PM EDT |
3:13 PM EDT |
4:21 PM EDT |
| Hearst |
73.99% |
2:06 PM EDT |
3:17 PM EDT |
4:25 PM EDT |
| Kapuskasing |
76.52% |
2:07 PM EDT |
3:18 PM EDT |
4:27 PM EDT |
| Kenora |
58.08% |
12:56 PM CDT |
2:04 PM CDT |
3:12 PM CDT |
| Kirkland Lake |
84.04% |
2:08 PM EDT |
3:20 PM EDT |
4:30 PM EDT |
| Marathon |
73.39% |
2:02 PM EDT |
3:13 PM EDT |
4:22 PM EDT |
| Red Lake |
55.61% |
12:59 PM CDT |
2:06 PM CDT |
3:12 PM CDT |
| Sault Ste. Marie |
83.74% |
2:01 PM EDT |
3:15 PM EDT |
4:26 PM EDT |
| Sudbury |
88.59% |
2:05 PM EDT |
3:19 PM EDT |
4:29 PM EDT |
| Temiskaming Shores |
86.88% |
2:08 PM EDT |
3:21 PM EDT |
4:30 PM EDT |
| Thunder Bay |
70.11% |
1:59 PM EDT |
3:10 PM EDT |
4:19 PM EDT |
| Timmins |
81.20% |
2:07 PM EDT |
3:19 PM EDT |
4:28 PM EDT |
| Wawa |
78.12% |
2:03 PM EDT |
3:15 PM EDT |
4:25 PM EDT |
For specific eclipse coverage and timing in your location, you can go to timeanddate.com to find detailed information.
Safety Measures
Safety is paramount when viewing any solar eclipse, even a partial one. To ensure a safe and memorable experience, follow these crucial precautions:
Solar Viewing Glasses: Never attempt to observe the eclipse with the naked eye. Only use certified solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification, specifically designed to protect your eyes from the Sun's harmful radiation.
Pinhole Projection: If eclipse glasses are unavailable, create a pinhole projector using common materials like cardboard. This indirect method allows you to project the eclipse safely onto a surface for viewing.
Telescopes and Binoculars: If using telescopes or binoculars, ensure they are equipped with proper solar filters to safeguard your eyes. Never aim them directly at the Sun without these protective measures.
Online Streaming: For those unable to view the eclipse in person or seeking a risk-free option, numerous reputable sources will provide live streaming of the event.
Local Eclipse Events: Consider joining local astronomy clubs or observatories hosting eclipse-viewing gatherings. These events offer expert guidance and a shared sense of community.
Please note that cloud cover could affect the ability to see the eclipse. Cloud cover is historically 60-80% for early April so be prepared for variable weather conditions and have alternative viewing options available.
