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 […]
Burlington Lawn Bowling Club Open House
Burlington Lawn Bowling Club 2275 New Street, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaOpen House- come on out and try this fun filled sport, get some gentle exercise and fresh air. Meet new friends, bring old ones, every one is welcome. 1:00pm - […]
Tots and Pots Oakville Museum
Oakville Museum 8 Navy Street, Oakville, Oakville, CanadaThis special gardening program for young children allows them to try out their green thumbs at the Oakville Museum. Children will have lots of fun planting seeds, decorating containers, and […]
Waterfront Scuplture Trail Friday Night Lights
Spencer Smith Park 1400 Lakeshore Road , Burlington, Ontario, CanadaWhen the sun goes down, the lights come up. Starting at dusk, the seven major installations of the BWST Exhibition will be brought to life with theatrical lighting, a fresh […]
Mother’s Day Cookie Decorating Class
98 Vine Street 98 Vine St, Hamilton, ON, CanadaJoin us for a fun and delicious Mother's Day Cookie Decorating Class! Learn how to decorate cookies like a pro and surprise your mom with homemade treats. Get ready to unleash your […]
Mommy & Me Piglet Yoga
Yogatastic 3061 Walkers Line Unit 8, Burlington, ON, CanadaThis Mother’s Day, step into a magical experience where gentle movement meets irresistible piglet cuddles. Our Mommy & Me Piglet Yoga session is designed to bring moms and their little […]
Sensory Friendly Swimming
Tansley Woods Community Centre 1996 Itabashi Way, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaSensory Swimming Every Saturday, this program offers an adapted swimming environment with no music, a smaller group, no whistles (unless necessary) and quiet changing rooms. Lap, leisure and warming pool […]
Mother’s Day Picnic at Puddicome
Puddicombe Estate Farms and Winery Highway 8 West, Grimsby, Ontario, CanadaCelebrate Mom with a day of relaxation, delicious food, and family fun at Puddicombe Estate! Enjoy a picnic lunch, estate ride and more! Ticket includes: Estate ride, Live Music, Miniature […]
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St Catharines - variousWe’re excited to present the second annual Niagara Children’s Festival in May 2025!!! The festival will be filled with performances and activities for children of all ages with not only our own […]
Ottawa Street Farmers Market
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Mastermind Toys Stores , CanadaJoin us for an exclusive Mother’s Day event on May 10th. Build your LEGO® Botanicals set together and bond with each other! Plus, enjoy raffle prizes, loot bags, snacks, and refreshments. […]
STEAM Saturdays Workshop: Solar Power
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology 900 Woodward Ave, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaThe museum is excited to present the “STEAM Saturdays” workshop series for kids! These monthly workshops will explore topics in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. This month, learn about […]
Mother’s Day Cooking Class
West Plains United Church (Burlington) 549 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON, CanadaJoin us for a beautiful morning celebrating our Mama’s/Grandmother’s & all the wonderful mother-figures in our lives!Children will work together with their peers alongside their mama’s to chop, measure, scoop, […]
International Sculpture Day – Family Program
Spencer Smith Park 1400 Lakeshore Road , Burlington, Ontario, CanadaAnchored in the gazebo in Spencer Smith Park, the day will be filled with live music, hands-on arts activities, games, tours, performances and more!
Mother’s Day Tea Scout Fundraiser
320 Charlton Ave W 320 Charlton Ave W, Hamilton, ON, CanadaWelcome to the 147th Scouts Mothers Day Tea Fundraiser! Join us for a delightful afternoon celebrating all the amazing women out there. Treat the woman in your life to a […]
Community Safety Day
Southward Community Park 84 Mud St W, Grimsby, Ontario, CanadaMeet first responders & explore emergency vehicles! Touch a truck, see the Grimsby Fire Department's ladder and tanker trucks, tractors, ice resurfacer, & more! Family Fun: Free face painting, balloon […]
Burlington Mother’s Day Market
Burlington Polish Hall 2316 Fairview Street, Burlington, ON, CanadaWelcome to the Burlington Mother's Day Market! Join us for a fun-filled day celebrating all the amazing moms out there. The event will take place at 2316 Fairview St, where you can […]
Parent & Child: Just for Mom (Edible Flowerpots) at Longo’s Loft
The Loft @ Longo's Walkers Line 2900 Walkers Line, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaHave a blooming good time with your little chef making Edible Flowerpots! These flowerpot desserts are adorable & delicious. A perfect way to spend some quality time with your little chef this Mother’s Day […]
Cineplex Family Favourites Movies
Weekend plans for the whole gang just got easier! The Cineplex Family Favourites program screens movies Saturdays, for only $3.99 plus applicable taxes (in-theatre price). Movies start at around 11 […]
Police Day with Halton Regional Police Services
Halton Regional Police Services Headquarters 2485 North Service Rd. W., Oakville, OntarioRain or shine, the Halton Regional Police Service’s (HRPS) 23rd annual Police Day is taking place on Saturday, May 10 from 12:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M at our Headquarters (2485 […]
Spring Travel Demo Days
Mastermind Toys Stores , CanadaGot some travel on your mind? Join us in store to try out our Travel Activity kit! The perfect travel companion full of activities to keep the little ones engaged. While […]
Lego Mother’s Day Make and Take at Toys R Us
Toys R Us - all stores Ontario, CanadaBring your builder-kids in-store to create a LEGO® Botanicals Micro Orchid – an evergreen gift for Mother’s Day! In-store ONLY. One per customer, while supplies last.
Sakura Festival
Burlington Performing Arts Centre 440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaCelebrate the spring arrival of the beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms and Burlington’s 36-year friendship with our twin city, Itabashi, Japan. Features of this free event include:- Performances by Burlington’s Do […]
Indiana Jones Trilogy at The Westdale
The Westdale Theatre 1014 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaThis May, grab your leather jacket, a fedora and a bullwhip, and swing into The Westdale as they present the first three Indiana Jones films on the big screen! […]
50th Anniversary Block Party at the Art Gallery of Burlington
Art Gallery of Burlington 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaGet ready to celebrate 50 Years of creativity and community at the AGB’s Block Party! At the Brock Park, DJ Cheffy will be bringing good vibes with an electrifying sets […]
Creative Kids: Beads & Bites – A Sweet Gift for Mom at Longo’s Loft
The Loft @ Longo's Walkers Line 2900 Walkers Line, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaOur Junior Chefs will bake up a batch of Chocolate Chip Muffins to take home and share for a special Mother’s Day breakfast treat. Our budding chefs will also be creating an edible jewelry […]
Mother’s Day Bollywood Dance Workshop
Defining Movement Dance 624 Upper James Street, Hamilton, ON, CanadaCelebrate Mother’s Day in a fun, unique way! Join us for a Bollywood Dance Workshop designed for moms and kids to bond, laugh, and groove together. A chance to connect with your […]
Mother, Nature
Mountsberg Conservation Area 2259 Millborough Line, Campbellville, Ontario, CanadaCelebrate Mom with Conservation Halton. Come to Mountsberg Conservation Area on Sunday, May 11 for Mother, Nature and spend the day in a beautiful springtime setting. You’ll enjoy a child-friendly […]
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 […]
Geoffrey’s Book Club Storytime
Toys R Us - all stores Ontario, CanadaJoin Geoffrey + his Toys “R” Us crew to check out his must-read picks of the month + some titles that you won’t find on other booklists.
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 […]
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 […]
Magna-Tiles Challenge at Mastermind
Mastermind Toys Stores , CanadaVisit us to participate in a MAGNA-TILES® Master Builders challenge! This week's theme will be available in-store to inspire kids on what to build! Complete the challenge, and photograph your build […]
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 […]
Indiana Jones Trilogy at The Westdale
The Westdale Theatre 1014 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaThis May, grab your leather jacket, a fedora and a bullwhip, and swing into The Westdale as they present the first three Indiana Jones films on the big screen! […]
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 […]
Toddler Days at Joseph Brant Museum
Joseph Brant Museum 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaToddler Days is a hands-on, interactive, parented program designed for children ages 2 – 4 years old. The program takes place at Joseph Brant Museum on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 […]
Movies for Mommies at Film.ca
Film.ca Theatre 171 Speers Road, Unit 25, Oakville, Ontario, CanadaMovies For Mommies (MFM), is the original parent & baby film event, and the first event of its kind to offer grown up entertainment in a Baby-Friendly environment. Enjoy a […]
Stars and Strollers Burlington
SilverCity Brant Street 1250 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaEscape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities. Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]
Knit for a Cause
HPl - Saltfleet Branch 131 Gray Road, Stoney Creek, Ontario, CanadaGrades 9-12 students knit a scarf, hat or mittens for a cause and earn volunteer hours. Supplies provided, though participants may bring their own. Please register as a volunteer by […]
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 […]
Niagara Children’s Festival
St Catharines - variousWe’re excited to present the second annual Niagara Children’s Festival in May 2025!!! The festival will be filled with performances and activities for children of all ages with not only our own […]
Quiet Hour at Dundas Museum and Archives
Dundas Museum & Archives 139 Park St. West, Dundas, Ontario, CanadaFrom 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays, the DMA invites autistic and otherwise neurodivergent visitors to visit for our "Quiet Hour", without large groups or classes, offering a more comfortable environment to […]
Hamilton Poutinefest
Gage Park 1000 Main St East, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaJoin us for an unforgettable experience filled with a variety of delicious food, great music, fun games, food competitions and more! Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and fun with […]
Stars and Strollers Oakville
Cineplex Cinemas Oakville and VIP 3531 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, Ontario, CanadaEscape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities. Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]
Knit for a Cause
HPl - Saltfleet Branch 131 Gray Road, Stoney Creek, Ontario, CanadaGrades 9-12 students knit a scarf, hat or mittens for a cause and earn volunteer hours. Supplies provided, though participants may bring their own. Please register as a volunteer by […]
Storytime at Mastermind Toys
Mastermind Toys Stores , CanadaJoin us for Storytime every Thursday at 4pm at your local Mastermind Toys store! No sign up required and please arrive 10 minutes early. Click to Find a Store near […]
Free Trial Multi-Sport Class (1.5-6yrs)
St. John's Anglican Church 2464 Dundas Street, Burlington, OntarioFit For Fun indoor multi-sport classes are taught by a certified teacher who is passionate about building children's confidence and physical literacy. Coach Dana runs fun and engaging programs that […]
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 […]
Niagara Children’s Festival
St Catharines - variousWe’re excited to present the second annual Niagara Children’s Festival in May 2025!!! The festival will be filled with performances and activities for children of all ages with not only our own […]
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