April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse is when the Moon casts its shadow on the Earth, blocking all (a total eclipse) or part (a partial eclipse) of the sun.
When is the solar eclipse?
On Monday, April 8, 2024, for the first time in over 90 years Montreal will experience a total solar eclipse. It is expected that the eclipse will begin at 2:15 pm and end at 4:36 pm which means the moment of totality will happen around 3:27 pm, when the Sun will be completely hidden and resulting in a period of darkness.
In Quebec, the last solar eclipse took place in 1972, the next one is projected to take place in 2106.
Protect your eyes:
During an eclipse, do not look directly at the sun. The sun's rays can cause permanent damage to your eyes. If you want to observe the eclipse directly, you must protect your eyes by using solar eclipse glasses that comply with the international ISO 12312-2 standard.
For more information about the eclipse, how to protect your eyes and more:
Solar Eclipse Glasses
OUT OF STOCK As of April 4 at noon, solar eclipse glasses will be offered to library members only, one per household, on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited number available. Glasses cannot be reserved; the library member must come to the (Circulation desk) in person and present his/her library card.
OUT OF STOCK Free astronomy kits at the CSL Library
Thanks to a partnership between the Max Margles Children’s Library and McGill Let’s Talk Science, the Library is offering a very limited number (200) of family astronomy kits for Library members (one per household). The kits include craft and guided activities, information about astronomy, information sheets for younger children, information about the eclipse, and 1 pair of eclipse glasses.
As of March 21, the kits will be offered to library members only, one per household, on a first-come, first-served basis. Kits cannot be reserved; the library member must come to the (Circulation desk) in person and present his/her library card.
CSL Library Programming (pre-eclipse):
Wednesday, April 3 from 5-6 pm
Ages 5-12; in English.
Registration and child’s Library membership required.
Online registration opens on Wednesday, March 13 at 11 am.
Learn more about the upcoming total solar eclipse, prepare to view the eclipse safely, and create a pinhole camera.
This program is made possible by the outreach programming and volunteers at the Trottier Space Institute at McGill. Space is limited.
Other events:
Total Solar Eclipse at the Montréal Science Centre | Montreal Science Centre
Eclipse 2024 - Trottier Space Institute at McGill
Total solar eclipse - Parc Jean-Drapeau (parcjeandrapeau.com)
