Eclipse day is here. What to expect as ‘magical’ event unfolds in Hamilton and Niagara | CBC News
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A total eclipse of a lifetime will slide into sight for hundreds of thousands of visitors and residents in the Hamilton-Niagara region Monday.
That is, if the forecasted clouds break in time, says Michelle Millen, 36.
She’s been keeping an eye on the weather as she, her two kids, husband, parents and grandparents watch from their Fonthill, Ont., farm in the Niagara Region.
“I hope it clears up at the right moment,” Millen said. “I have a feeling it will.”
But even if the total eclipse isn’t completely visible, the celestial event feels “magical,” she said.
“Anytime you can get kids outside and excited about nature, to me that’s the main draw. It’s something you can do together,” Millen said.
“With all the worry and strife that’s going on, it’s nice to focus and get excited about something that’s uncontroversial.”
Hamilton resident Kim Dunlop said her family’s excitement is also mounting. Her two kids have practised using pinhole projectors made from cereal boxes, and hope to reflect the eclipse off a disco ball — if the skies are clear.
They’ll be watching the eclipse in their backyard.
“Hopefully we have a good view of it,” she said.
Watch: What’s the weather forecast for the day of the total eclipse?
Will the weather co-operate with the plans of millions to see today’s total solar eclipse? Chris Murphy of the Weather Network has today’s forecast.
Environment Canada predicts Monday will be “mainly cloudy” in Hamilton, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. The Weather Network provides a sliver of hope with “sunny breaks” forecasted.
Regardless of weather, the region will be busy. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of the total solar eclipse:
What’s happening?
On Monday, parts of the continent will witness a partial solar eclipse, as the moon moves between the earth and sun, blocking the star’s light.
But if you’re in the narrower path of totality, the moon will fully block the sun, known as a total eclipse. You may feel a change in temperature and witness a period of night-like darkness.
The Hamilton-Niagara area is within this path, making it a desirable destination for spectators.
There will be a number of events in the area, and Hamilton is designating eclipse viewing areas for people to safely gather in.
You can also watch the solar eclipse on CBC. A CBC News Special: The Eclipse in Canada begins at 1 p.m. ET and will be livestreamed online. CBC News will also be live on TikTok from Hamilton starting at 2:10 p.m. ET.
What makes this eclipse special?
Eclipses happen relatively frequently, but total solar eclipses might only be visible in a region once every several decades, and sometimes more than 100 years. In Hamilton, the last total eclipse was in 1925 and the next one won’t be until 2144.
Some people travel great distances to see eclipses. Niagara Falls is anticipating up to one million visitors, and has declared a state of emergency to prepare. Hamilton is anticipating 100,000 visitors.
What time is the eclipse?
The start time will vary depending where you are. In most of southern Ontario, the partial solar eclipse will start around 2 p.m., and totality will occur around 3:15 p.m.
The duration of totality will also vary. In Hamilton, expect about 90 seconds, from just past 3:18 p.m. until 3:20 p.m. In Niagara Falls, Ont., it will be dark for over three minutes.
How can I safely view the eclipse?
The eclipse poses no additional risk to your eyes, but looking at the sun is always dangerous, and can lead to permanent vision loss, experts say.
Experts recommend wearing eclipse glasses with the right kind of filter to block most of the sun’s harmful rays. Using those, one should be able to view the moon move into the sun’s path.
If you’re driving during the eclipse, do not stop or pull over until it’s safe to do so away from traffic, Hamilton police say. Also expect the sky to darken and put your vehicle headlights on.
Your camera, including phone camera, could also be damaged by the eclipse. Some photographers say the best way to protect your phone is to cover its camera lens with your solar eclipse glasses.
Watch: How to make a pinhole projector
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Victor Abraham demonstrates how to make a pinhole projector — one way to safely watch the eclipse on April 8. He says to use a long box for the best projection.
Where can I get eclipse glasses?
You may still be able to get eclipse glasses on Monday, if you’re lucky.
The Hamilton Public Library has run out after distributing more than 80,000 free pairs across its branches.
The city, which has so far distributed 50,000 glasses, will have limited supplies available at designated viewing sites starting around 12:30 p.m. Tourism manager Ryan McHugh advised people to show up early if they’re in need of a pair.
The four Hamilton designated viewing sites are:
- Bayfront Park, 200 Harbour Front Dr.
- Piers 4 Park, 64 Leander Dr.
- T.B. McQuesten Community Park, 1199 Upper Wellington St.
- Confederation Park, 680 Waterfront Trail
What other precautions should I take?
Niagara police are advising of road closures in Niagara Falls and Fort Erie, Ont., to accommodate the expected crowds beginning at 11 a.m. Monday.
<a href=” Road Closures<br><br>On April 8th, many roadways in <a href=” will be closed to vehicular traffic.<br><br>Plan ahead to adjust routes.<br>Additional closures may be required.<br><br>Follow us, <a href=” & <a href=” for info on April 8<br><br>More: <a href=” <a href=”https://t.co/8ISUoescdr”>pic.twitter.com/8ISUoescdr</a>
—@NiagRegPolice
They’re warning roads and highways will be congested beginning on Sunday as visitors arrive in the region.
To avoid traffic jams, police say drivers who get into minor collisions should move to the shoulder before exchanging insurance information.
They also don’t need to call police if the damage is minimal and can report it after at a collision reporting centre.
Robert Cockcroft, the director of McMaster University’s William J. McCallion Planetarium, shares why the Hamilton-Niagara region will be the best in Ontario from which to view the April 8 eclipse. He also explains why this eclipse will be a big deal, and how to view it safely.
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