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
Springtime on the Farm
Bronte Creek Provincial Park 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville, Ontario, CanadaJoin us for Springtime on the Farm and celebrate the arrival of Spring like a Victorian! Visit Spruce Lane Farm (located by parking lot F) on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, […]
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 […]
Queer Peers at OPL
Oakville Public Library Iroquois Ridge Branch 1051 Glenashton Dr, Oakville, ON, CanadaQueer Peers is a peer support meeting facilitated by Pflag Halton. All young people 12-18 are welcome to drop into any gathering, with no registration required. Age 12-18 This space […]
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 […]
Spring Stroller Social
Downtown Oakville Oakville, Ontario, CanadaJoin our Spring Stroller Socials for a leisurely walk through the historic streets of Downtown Oakville, followed by coffee and conversation with fellow moms. We'll meet at the clock in […]
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 […]
Oakville Public Library Book Sale
Oakville Public Library Central Branch 120 Navy St, Oakville, ONMark your calendars! Friends of Oakville Public Library are excited to announce the spring book sale this May 22-24 at Central Branch. The sale will feature a huge selection of […]
Trampoline and Tumbling Drop in
Burlington Trampoline and Tumbling 680 Maple Avenue, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaChildren (from age 4 and up) can come into the gym to play anytime at the designated time. It is not a structured class but it is supervised by a […]
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 […]
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 […]
Oakville Public Library Book Sale
Oakville Public Library Central Branch 120 Navy St, Oakville, ONMark your calendars! Friends of Oakville Public Library are excited to announce the spring book sale this May 22-24 at Central Branch. The sale will feature a huge selection of […]
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!
Farmers and Friends
Mountsberg Conservation Area 2259 Millborough Line, Campbellville, Ontario, CanadaJoin Mountsberg staff for a visit to the Animal Barn where you’ll interact with some of our barn residents and learn more about their care. $10 per person + gate […]
Talons and Tailfeathers
Mountsberg Conservation Area 2259 Millborough Line, Campbellville, Ontario, CanadaJoin our Raptor Centre staff to meet some of our resident raptors, and learn more about their incredible features plus how we care for them. $10 per person + gate […]
Scavenger Hunt at Mastermind
Mastermind Toys Stores , CanadaCelebrate Scavenger Hunt Day with us all weekend! Choose your own adventure - 3 scavenger hunt themes to pick from. Complete a challenge and fill out the ballot forms for a chance to win […]
South Asian Festival Day
St Volodymyr Cultural Centre 1280 Dundas Street West, Oakville, ON, CanadaPlease join us to celebrate South Asian Heritage day on 24th May 2025 at St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre - SVCC. We are celebrating with Talent showcase and vendor market. There […]
13th Burlington Scouts Bottle Drive
Parkette at Fisher Ave & Parkway Dr Fisher Ave & Parkway Dr, Burlington, ON, CanadaWe’re looking for your empties! Cans, bottles, tetra packs, bladders … any shape or size! If it can be returned to the Beer Store, we’ll happily take it off your […]
Waterdown Community Garage Sale
Waterdown Village Ontario, CanadaHello ALL! Are you looking to purge for an upcoming move or simply Spring cleaning? Well you're in luck!! Our Second Waterdown Community Garage Sale is set for Saturday May […]
Smilezone Foundation Hosts Celebrity Hockey Tournament
Joshua's Creek Arenas 1663 North Service Rd E, Oakville, ON, CanadaGet ready for an unforgettable day of hockey and family fun! The Smilezone Foundation is hosting its annual 10th Hockey Helping Kids Tournament on Saturday, May 24 at Joshua’s Creek Arenas in Oakville. This full-day, event features […]
Canada Netherlands Friendship Day
Spencer Smith Park 1400 Lakeshore Road , Burlington, Ontario, CanadaCelebrate Canada Netherlands Friendship Day and the 20th anniversary of the twinning agreement between Burlington and its twin city, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. Hosted by the Burlington Mundialization Committee. Free event featuring: […]
Meet the Fleet
Fleming Centre 5020 Serena Dr., Beamsville, Ontario, CanadaThe Town of Lincoln's Public Works department is hosting a "Meet the Fleet" event on Saturday, May 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Fleming Centre. The event includes: Family-friendly […]
Appleby College Festival of Authors
Appleby College 540 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville, ON, CanadaWe are super excited to be hosting our inaugural Festival of Authors at Appleby College! Please join us on Saturday, May 24, 2025, where we will celebrate the incredible work […]
Oakville Public Library Book Sale
Oakville Public Library Central Branch 120 Navy St, Oakville, ONMark your calendars! Friends of Oakville Public Library are excited to announce the spring book sale this May 22-24 at Central Branch. The sale will feature a huge selection of […]
City of Burlington Touch-a-Truck
Mainway Recreation Centre 4015 Mainway, Burlington, ON, CanadaThe event gives residents and their families an opportunity to: Get an up-close look at City vehicles, including a Burlington Transit bus, street sweeper, snowplow, fire truck, zamboni, and more. […]
Asian Heritage Festival
Fowley Park 106 Fowley Dr, Oakville, Ontario, CanadaJoin in for a day of food, culture, and performances at the Asian Heritage Festival at Fowley Park on May 24, starting at 11:00 a.m.! Bring your family, enjoy the […]
Skateboard and Scooter Meet Up
Norton Park 3040 Tim Dobbie Drive, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaGet ready for an epic day of skateboarding, scootering, and good vibes! Join our community for a fun-filled meetup where you’ll roll with fellow campers, hang with our awesome summer […]
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”, […]
Paddington in Peru – Sensory Friendly Screening
The Westdale Theatre 1014 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaSensory Friendly screenings include open captioning, theatre lights dimmed, not dark, lower sound level, feel free to roam, no advertisements or trailers. When Paddington discovers his beloved aunt has gone […]
Farmers and Friends
Mountsberg Conservation Area 2259 Millborough Line, Campbellville, Ontario, CanadaJoin Mountsberg staff for a visit to the Animal Barn where you’ll interact with some of our barn residents and learn more about their care. $10 per person + gate […]
Talons and Tailfeathers
Mountsberg Conservation Area 2259 Millborough Line, Campbellville, Ontario, CanadaJoin our Raptor Centre staff to meet some of our resident raptors, and learn more about their incredible features plus how we care for them. $10 per person + gate […]
Hives and Honeycombs
Mountsberg Conservation Area 2259 Millborough Line, Campbellville, Ontario, CanadaHave you heard the phrase “busy as a bee?” Learn more about these fascinating and hard-working insects and taste some Mountsberg honey. $10 per person + gate fees.
Artillery Day
Fort George National Historic Site 51 Queen's Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, CanadaJoin us to celebrate the 309th birthday of the Royal Artillery. Fort George will be celebrating with a BANG! Cannons and mortars will roar to life with firing demonstrations along […]
Burlington Touch a Truck
Mainway Recreation Centre 4015 Mainway, Burlington, ON, CanadaGet an up-close look at City vehicles, including a Burlington Transit bus, street sweeper, snowplow, fire truck, zamboni, and more. Visit and learn about the services provided by City staff […]
Northeast Oakville Fair
Glenashton Park 1051 Glenashton Dr., Burlington, ON, CanadaThe Northeast Oakville Fair is a vibrant spring event packed with fun! Enjoy free entry, exciting inflatables, delicious food trucks, live music, sponsored activities, and awesome giveaways. Bring your family and […]
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”, […]
Paddington in Peru – Sensory Friendly Screening
The Westdale Theatre 1014 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaSensory Friendly screenings include open captioning, theatre lights dimmed, not dark, lower sound level, feel free to roam, no advertisements or trailers. When Paddington discovers his beloved aunt has gone […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Trampoline and Tumbling Drop in
Burlington Trampoline and Tumbling 680 Maple Avenue, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaChildren (from age 4 and up) can come into the gym to play anytime at the designated time. It is not a structured class but it is supervised by a […]
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 […]
Bollywood Antakshari Musical Game Night at OPL
Oakville Public Library Glen Abbey Branch 1415 Third Line, Oakville, ONLove Bollywood music? Ready to sing your heart out? Come and join Bollywood Antakshari, a fun filled musical game and unleash your inner singer! Join us for Bollywood Antakshari, a […]
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