A solar eclipse happens whenever the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes completely between Earth and the Sun.
This results in a narrow shadow zone being cast on Earth that’s known as the path of totality. In the path of totality, you’ll experience all five phases of a total solar eclipse from the first to final contact between the Sun and the Moon.
On April 8th, 2024, the path of totality will move west to east across Mexico, the United States and into Canada. If the weather cooperates, we’ll have a rare opportunity to see part of the Sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona and chromosphere). The bright face of the Sun, known as the photosphere, usually obscures its outer atmosphere.
The last total solar eclipse visible in Hamilton took place January 24, 1925.
After April 8th, 2024, the next total solar eclipse visible in Hamilton won’t happen until October 26, 2144.
The last total solar eclipse in Canada happened in February 1979, with the path of totality crossing through southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, northwestern Ontario and far northern Quebec.
After 2024, the next total solar eclipse in Canada won’t happen for another 20 years.
To learn more watch this webinar from the Department of Physics and Astronomy’s Dr. Laura Parker.
Photo credit: Image by Ken Yan.