A total solar eclipse is heading your way! On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be able to be seen across parts of Mexico, the US, and Canada and we have front row seats here in Burlington!
What is a solar eclipse?
The easy explanation is that a solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the light from the Sun and casting its shadow on the Earth.
When is the Next Solar Eclipse?
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be able to be seen across parts of Mexico, the US, and Canada
Is it a big deal if I miss it?
Only if you don’t want to travel to see one. Total eclipses happen about every 18 months but it can only be seen from the same place about once every 330 years! The next total eclipse to be seen in Canada will be in 2044 in the Northwest Territories and Alberta.
Sounds simple – so what’s so special?
It is pretty simple, but there are a lot of things that have to come together to create a solar eclipse, which is why they don’t happen all the time, and why not everyone gets to see one, even when they do happen.
You’ve probably seen diagrams of the planets and moons going around the Sun in perfect circular orbits with everything in line, like marbles rolling around on a plate. If that was true there would be an eclipse every 27 days when the moon moves around the Earth and gets between the Earth and the Sun. In real life the moon’s orbit around the Earth is tilted and oval, both of which help to make eclipses such a rare event.
Most of the time when the Moon passes between us and the Sun it’s too high or too low on that tilted orbit for its shadow to fall on the Earth. Imagine the screen you are reading this on is the Sun and your face is the Earth. Hold your hand at an angle between you and the screen like you are going to karate chop it. If the Moon were at the tips of your fingers the shadow coming towards you would likely miss you and go by your ear or your shoulder. If it were by your wrist, the same. Usually the moon is somewhere on that tilted orbit that means its shadow misses the Earth and we don’t get an eclipse.
Have you ever noticed sometimes the Moon looks huge? That’s because of that oval orbit. Things that are far away look smaller than ones close up, so there are times when the Moon is closer and looks bigger, or further away and looks smaller. What does that mean for an eclipse?
The Moon has to be the perfect distance away from the Earth to block out all of the Sun. If it’s too far away it’s smaller in the sky and doesn’t block out the whole Sun. When that happens we actually do get a kind of eclipse called an annular eclipse where the Moon looks like a dark disk on top of a bright ring of Sun but doesn’t completely block the Sun.
The last piece is the shadow of the Moon on the Earth isn’t very big so not everyone will be in the shadow and see the eclipse. The shadow traces a path on the Earth’s surface called the Path of Totality. When you are right in the centre of the Path you will see the Sun blocked, or “totality”, for a few minutes. As you get further from the centre, the time the eclipse spends in totality is shorter. Further out from the path you will still see a partial eclipse, but the Sun won’t be blocked completely, until finally you are so far away from the path you won’t see any difference to the Sun at all.
Here in Burlington we should see totality, but maybe only for about a minute as we are right on the edge of that Path of Totality. If you want to travel to make sure you see the full eclipse for as long as possible, head towards Niagara Falls, Port Dover, anywhere along Lake Erie towards Point Pelee, or Kingston, Belleville, Cornwall area. See an interactive map of the Path here (there may be a few other people with the same idea – check traffic before leaving!!)
The whole event will be around 2 and a half hours, from what’s called First Contact, where the Moon first ‘touches’ the side of the Sun, through partial eclipse, totality, another partial eclipse, to the Sun being completely visible again.
Besides being in the right place, you also need the right equipment, such as eclipse glasses (not sunglasses or welding goggles), or a way of projecting the Sun’s image. Don’t worry, more information and instructions are below!
What To Expect From The Total Solar Eclipse 2024
The eclipse officially starts with First contact, where the Moon first ‘touches’ the edge of the Sun which is an odd name since the Moon and Sun are still around 150 kilometres away from each other – they don’t come into contact at all! From there, the Moon moves across, the dark circle looking like it’s taking a bite out of the Sun, that’s the partial solar eclipse.
In Burlington this stage will be around 2:00 to 3:15pm. From about 3:00 you’ll want to be in your best viewing position, because things happen quickly! Use the search bar on this site to get the timings for your City.
As that partial eclipse gets closer and closer to totality there are some cool things to look out for: About a minute before totality you may see shadow bands which are wavy bands of shadow and light moving on the ground and along walls almost like being at the bottom of a swimming pool. Next, as the Moon moves into position the last of the light shines through valleys on the edge of the Moon creating little dots, called Bailey’s beads. Eventually only one point of light is visible, looking like a diamond on a ring.
Baileys beads and the Diamond Ring Effect are only seen in the last 10-15 seconds before totality, but there’s another chance to see them as the Moon moves through and the light starts to be seen on the other side.
Totality, or second contact, where the last of those Bailey’s beads have disappeared is the only time it is safe to look at the Sun with the naked eye – remember, it may last for less than a minute. If you do take a peek you should see the Sun’s corona, or the spiky halo of gases that surround the Sun. That is what the Sun looks like, it’s just usually too bright to see that outer ring and we only see the circular shape. You may also be able to see some of the brightest stars and planets in the sky.
As Bailey’s beads start to show again, also called Third Contact, go back to viewing safely with your solar eclipse glasses or projector and then see the whole sequence in reverse – the partial eclipse showing more and more sun until the whole disc can be seen again – Fourth Contact.
Cool Fact: While what’s happening in the sky is spectacular, don’t forget to look around you, and feel the surroundings too. As the skies darken during the partial eclipse animals can get confused. Birds may stop singing, nocturnal animals like bats may start to come out and spiders start tearing down their webs, then start building them again as the Sun begins to show. Also, the temperature will drop and the wind will die down, and as it comes back may be in a different direction!
How do we safely view the eclipse?
Glad you asked – you should never look directly at the Sun even when most of it is being blocked by the Moon! No, not even through sunglasses. Most sunglasses have some kind of UV protection which blocks the ultraviolet rays that can do harm to your eyes, but it is not just the type of light coming into your eye that is the problem – it’s the intensity.
The retina at the back of your eye is made up of light sensitive cells. Normally, light comes into your eye and the cells get activated, sending signals along the nerves to the brain which then makes sense of what you are seeing. Your eye also has a lot of liquid in it (called the Vitreous Humour) that acts like a magnifying glass. If you stare at the Sun, you’re focussing all of that energy onto the retina, potentially damaging or destroying those light sensitive cells. There are no pain cells in the back of the eye, so you won’t feel anything, but the damage is happening. Unlike most other kinds of cells, your body doesn’t replace the cells in the eye, so once they are damaged they are damaged.
There are lots of ways to safely see the eclipse though – special solar eclipse glasses block nearly all visible, ultraviolet and infrared light (they are about 100,000 times darker than sunglasses) or you can project an image of the sun using things you probably have around the house.
If you are going to buy glasses, look for the industry standard of ISO 12312-2 (just cut and paste that number into any search engine or store you are looking at). A few places to look into can be found here, and we’ve heard Canadian Tire is selling some as well.
Other Ways To Safely View The Solar Eclipse in April 2024
National Geographic Kids has a great tutorial on how to make your own solar eclipse viewer with some items from around the house. We love cheap science crafts and experiments!
Hopefully we’ve convinced you to take part in this once in a lifetime event happening in our own backyards! If you want to join a Viewing party, check out these events:
Solar Eclipse Events and Activities Near Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville
Discovery at the Fishway
Princess Point Canoe Launch Hamilton, ON, CanadaWatch RBG ecologists at work as they assist migrating fish to their spawning grounds in Cootes Paradise Marsh! The Fishway is located at the outlet of Cootes Paradise Marsh, a short […]
It’s Your Festival
Gage Park 1000 Main St East, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaA full 4-day, fun filled, flag waving toe tapping fabulous time awaits all! Vendors, food trucks, fashion show, parade of cultures, and more!
Discovery at the Fishway
Princess Point Canoe Launch Hamilton, ON, CanadaWatch RBG ecologists at work as they assist migrating fish to their spawning grounds in Cootes Paradise Marsh! The Fishway is located at the outlet of Cootes Paradise Marsh, a short […]
Burlington’s Canada Day Celebrations
Celebrate Canada Day with the City of Burlington at Spencer Smith Park on July 1, 2025! Experience a day of fun-filled activities, delicious food, vibrant vendors, and lively entertainment at […]
Celebrate the Lancaster’s 80th Birthday
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum 9280 Airport Rd, Mount Hope, Ontario, CanadaHappy birthday to our Lancaster – 80 years young! Come join us on Canada Day as we celebrate this Canadian icon. Lancaster FM213 rolled off the production line at Victory […]
Canada Day Parent & Tot Yoga with Goats
Triple C Farm 500 Carluke Rd W, Ancaster, Ontario, CanadaThe more we GOAT together, the happier we’ll be! You and your little one(s) will enjoy some gentle yoga poses to kid-friendly music…and you will be surrounded by adorable, friendly […]
Canada Day at HMCS Haida
HMCS Haida Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON, CanadaCelebrate Canada Day at HMCS Haida! Step aboard Canada's most fightingest warship, hear stories of brave sailors, and take in beautiful views of Lake Ontario. Join us on July 1 […]
Canada Day at Fort George
Fort George National Historic Site 51 Queen's Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, CanadaCelebrate Canada's birthday at Fort George National Historic Site! Listen to period music, support the Friends of Fort George, and don’t miss our captivating musket demonstrations and cannon firings! Canada […]
It’s Your Festival
Gage Park 1000 Main St East, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaA full 4-day, fun filled, flag waving toe tapping fabulous time awaits all! Vendors, food trucks, fashion show, parade of cultures, and more!
Grimsby Canada Day Festival
Grimsby Museum 6 Murray Street, Grimsby, Ontario, CanadaJoin the Grimsby Museum for Canada Day celebrations as we celebrate Canada's 158th birthday with this annual one-day festival. Face painting, bounce castles, Museum exhibitions, photo booth, DJ and other […]
Canada Day at the Bronte Legion
The Bronte Legion 79 Jones St, Oakville, Ontario, CanadaEveryone is welcome! Food trucks, beer & wine “garden”, handmade & vendor market, kids’ activities, live music and more!
Lincoln’s Canada Day
Charles Daley Park 1969 North Service Rd, Jordan, ON, CanadaJoin us for a family friendly celebration including activities, entertainment, food vendors and an amazing fireworks show! RAIN or SHINE! SHUTTLE available between Town Hall to Charles Daley Park from […]
Canada Day Military Tattoo
Dundurn National Historic Site 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaJoin us for a spectacular evening of fun and music on July 1! This family-friendly event features a lively performance by the Regimental Band of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, […]
Oakville’s Canada Day Celebrations
Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park 2340 Ontario Street, Oakville, Ontario, CanadaThis family-friendly birthday bash will feature: a variety of cultural activities, including arts and crafts interactive sports try-its food and beverage services, and busking-style performances. The evening will also include: […]
Fireworks from the Rooftop
Joseph Brant Museum 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaEnjoy an evening of food, drinks, games, and live music with a premiere view of Burlington’s Canada Day Drone Show & Fireworks! Join us for Fireworks from the Rooftop at […]
Discovery at the Fishway
Princess Point Canoe Launch Hamilton, ON, CanadaWatch RBG ecologists at work as they assist migrating fish to their spawning grounds in Cootes Paradise Marsh! The Fishway is located at the outlet of Cootes Paradise Marsh, a short […]
Family Dance Party
HPL - selected branchesMusic, movement and more. Friday, June 06: 3:00pm - 3:30pm Waterdown Wednesday, July 02: 10:00am - 10:30am Waterdown Tuesday, July 15: 11:00am - 12:00pm Kenilworth Monday, July 21: 10:00am - […]
Crash Rhythm Drumming Workshop
HPL - Stoney Creek Branch 777 Highway 8, Stoney Creek, Ontario, CanadaLearn about drumming with musicians from Crash Rhythm Drumming. Join drummers from Crash Rhythm in this engaging workshop full of loud, percussive fun. Try bucket drumming and write a song […]
Kids’ Book Swap
HPL - selected branchesBring your new or gently used children’s books to swap with others. Friday, June 27: 10:00am - 11:00am Saltfleet Wednesday, July 02: 1:00pm - 2:00pm Kenilworth Friday, July 04: 2:00pm […]
Mime Performance at HPL
HPL - Terryberry Branch 100 Mohawk Road West, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaProfessional mime Trevor Copp performs the Carnival of the Animals. Trevor Copp physically interprets the animals in French composer Camille Saint-Saens' humourous musical, the Carnival of Animals. The music is […]
Mountainside Pool Community Event Nights
Mountainside Recreation Centre 2205 Mount Forest Drive, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaGet Ready for a Splash of Fun at Mountainside Pool! Join us every Wednesday from 5–7 PM for our Community Event Nights — a summer series packed with creativity, laughter, and poolside excitement! (Regular […]
Oakville’s Cruze Nights Classic Car Show
Oakville Place Mall 240 Leighland Avenue, Burlington, ONClassic and Antique Cars, DJ, Door Prizes, 50/50 draws, raffles.
Discovery at the Fishway
Princess Point Canoe Launch Hamilton, ON, CanadaWatch RBG ecologists at work as they assist migrating fish to their spawning grounds in Cootes Paradise Marsh! The Fishway is located at the outlet of Cootes Paradise Marsh, a short […]
The Amazing Race, Library Edition
HPL - selected branchesGet your passport ready to play the library version of the Amazing Race. Registration required - check the website for details. Thursday, July 03: 10:00am - 11:00am Waterdown Thursday, July […]
Access Storage Free Swim – LaSalle Wading Pool
LaSalle Wading Pool & Splash Pad 50 Northshore Blvd E, Burlington, OntarioFree Swim sponsored by Access Storage. Outdoor Leisure Swim admissions are walk in, no reservations. Beat the heat and enjoy a perfect summer spot at LaSalle Park.
La Salle Wading Pool Community Events
Get Ready for a Splash of Fun at LaSalle Wading Pool! Join us on the dates below for our Community Event Nights — a summer series packed with creativity, laughter, and poolside excitement! (Regular admission rates […]
Grimsby Music in the Park
Coronation Park - Grimsby 77 Main St W, Grimsby, Ontario, CanadaGrab your lawn chair or bring your dancing shoes and join us Thursday nights in July from 7 - 9 pm following the Grimsby Farmer's Market in Coronation Park for […]
Discovery at the Fishway
Princess Point Canoe Launch Hamilton, ON, CanadaWatch RBG ecologists at work as they assist migrating fish to their spawning grounds in Cootes Paradise Marsh! The Fishway is located at the outlet of Cootes Paradise Marsh, a short […]
Noon Hour Concert HPL Central Library
HPL - Central Branch 55 York Boulevard, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaListen to live music each Friday at Noon at Central Library. Check the website for this week's lineup!
Kids’ Book Swap
HPL - selected branchesBring your new or gently used children’s books to swap with others. Friday, June 27: 10:00am - 11:00am Saltfleet Wednesday, July 02: 1:00pm - 2:00pm Kenilworth Friday, July 04: 2:00pm […]
Nelson Pool Community Nights
Nelson Recreation Centre 4235 New Street, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaGet Ready for a Splash of Fun at Nelson Pool! Join us every Friday from 4:30-6:30 PM for our Community Event Nights — a summer series packed with creativity, laughter, and poolside excitement! (Regular admission rates apply) […]
Hamilton Cardinals Baseball
Bernie Arbour Stadium 1100 Mohawk Rd East, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaJoin us for unforgettable games, passionate fans, and lots of fun and giveaways through our season! Home Games: June 13 7:30pm - Father's Night - It’s Friday Fathers Night, where […]
Hamilton Cardinals Baseball
Bernie Arbour Stadium 1100 Mohawk Rd East, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaJoin us for unforgettable games, passionate fans, and lots of fun and giveaways through our season! Home Games: June 13 7:30pm - Father's Night - It’s Friday Fathers Night, where […]
Indigo Bluey Playtime Party
Select Indigo and Chapters storesJoin the fun as we bring Bluey's world to life with an exciting toy demo, temporary tattoos, and more! Plus, there’s storytime in store. Ages 3+ Sessions at 11:00 and […]
Minecraft Movie at the Westdale
The Westdale Theatre 1014 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaA mysterious portal pulls four misfits into the Overworld, a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they’ll have to master the terrain while embarking on […]
Yoga with a View
Joseph Brant Museum 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaEnjoy an early morning yoga session with a premiere view of Burlington’s waterfront! Join us for “Yoga with a View” on the Rooftop Terrace of Joseph Brant Museum on Saturday, […]
Cherry Festival
St Mark's Anglican Church, NOTL 41 Byron Street, NIagara on the Lake, ON, CanadaMark your calendars to celebrate the Cherry Festival. Indulge in the sweet abundance of this succulent fruit and sweet while immersing yourself in the warm community atmosphere. The annual fundraising […]
Safari Saturday: Clay Animal Terra Cotta Pots
Michaels Craft Stores Ontario, CanadaDig into creative fun this summer as we create clay animals to sit on a clay pot. $5 each with all supplies included.
Breakfast with Bluey
Southcote 53 534 Garner Rd E, Ancaster, Ontario, CanadaGet ready for a tail-wagging good time as Bluey comes to Southcote 53 in Ancaster for a magical breakfast event that kids will absolutely love! This fun-filled morning is packed with food, laughter, and excitement—perfect for […]
Animal Services Summer Social
Burlington Animal Shelter 2424 Industrial St., Burlington, Ontario, CanadaLearn how Animal Services makes a difference for pets and animals in the Burlington community. Meet some of our adorable pets available for adoption. In order to reduce stress on newly […]
Drag Queen Storytime with Gila Munster!
MPL Main branch 1010 Main St E, Milton, ON, CanadaFor children from 6 months to 10 years, and their caregivers. Please note: Adults will not be permitted without a child. Join Drag Queen Gila Münster for Drag Queen Story Time, a […]
Cineplex Family Favourites
Cineplex and SilverCity Theatres Ontario, CanadaWeekend plans just got a whole lot easier! Our Family Favourites program runs movies on Saturdays for only $3.99 plus tax (in-house pricing). Visit the website for details of today's […]
Pop Up in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Dundurn National Historic Site 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaHamilton Children’s Museum will be popping up at Dundurn National Historic Site in the Historic Kitchen Garden. Bring your young family and friends for free nature-based activities in “Sophia’s Garden”, […]
Birds at the Library
HPL - selected branchesLearn about birds and meet feathered friends with the Hamilton Aviary. Learn about our fascinating feathered friends and meet some exotic birds from the Hamilton Aviary. This is a drop-in event […]
Access Storage Free Swim at Aldershot Pool
Aldershot Pool 50 Fairwood Place West, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaFree Swim is sponsored by Access Storage. Come spend time playing and enjoying the warm water at Aldershot Pool (88F/31C). All ages are welcome, and the Rock-Climbing Wall is open […]
Forge FC Home Game
Forge FC 64 Melrose Avenue North, Hamilton, ON, CanadaEstablished in 2018, the club is proudly based out of Hamilton, Ontario, where we bring together fans and players in the heart of our city. As four-time Canadian Premier League […]
Train Days at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology 900 Woodward Ave, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaCatch a ride on a miniature train, operated by the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers! Various model engines will be running on the miniature railroad track at the museum. Make sure to […]
Pop Up in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Dundurn National Historic Site 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaHamilton Children’s Museum will be popping up at Dundurn National Historic Site in the Historic Kitchen Garden. Bring your young family and friends for free nature-based activities in “Sophia’s Garden”, […]
Minecraft Movie at the Westdale
The Westdale Theatre 1014 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaA mysterious portal pulls four misfits into the Overworld, a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they’ll have to master the terrain while embarking on […]
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