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 […]
Family Movies at Hamilton Public Library
Hamilton Libraries - various branchesWatch new releases and rediscover old favourites. June 6 1-3pm Saltfleet Branch Dog Man June 7 1-3pm Valley Park Paddington June 7 1-3pm Barton Captain Underpants June 7 2-4pm Turner […]
Lilo & Stitch Ohana Party
Film.ca Theatre 171 Speers Road, Unit 25, Oakville, Ontario, CanadaGet ready to hang ten at the Lilo & Stitch Ohana Party at Film.Ca Cinemas in Oakville, proudly sponsored by Goldfish Swim School! Doors open at 9:30AM, Enjoy tropical-themed activities from 9:30AM–10:45AM, […]
PA Day Cooking Class – School’s Almost Out at Longo’s Loft
The Loft @ Longo's Walkers Line 2900 Walkers Line, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaOur Junior Chefs get ready for summer with grab and go Fruit in a Cone, a Fruit Pizza Beach Ball and Sprinkle Ice Cream Pie. Who’s ready to dive in? Join our Loft Team […]
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!
Library Mini Golf
HPL - Valley Park Branch 1050 Paramount Dr., Unit 12, Stoney Creek, Ontario, CanadaDesign and play an indoor mini golf course. Design and play an indoor mini golf course using library books and your imagination. Supplies provided.
Imagine in the Park
Gage Park 1000 Main St East, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaWorkshops, Performances, Storytelling Stage Programming... and so much more! Keep an eye on the website for the full line up.
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!
Movie Under the Stars
Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park 2340 Ontario Street, Oakville, Ontario, CanadaOakville Festivals of Film & Art, Film.Ca Cinemas and the Bronte BIA present: A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS! Enjoy a FREE movie screening (film is TBC) on Friday, June 6 […]
Movie Night at Niagara Outlets
Niagara Outlets 300 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, CanadaJoin us for outdoor movies at the Outlet Collection at Niagara all summer long. Bring your chair or blanket and friends and family for this free outdoor movie! The movie […]
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 […]
Pride in Nature at Kelso
Kelso Conservation Area 5234 Kelso Road, Milton, Ontario, CanadaGet flam-buoyant! Join us on the open waters of Kelso Lake—safe, quiet, and peaceful. Home to many varieties of fish, Kelso Lake offers great spots to cast a line. Canoes, […]
Streets on Fire Car Show
Chippawa Lions Park 3970 welland street, Niagara Falls, ON, CanadaFirefighter Breakfast starts @7am. 50/50 Raffles, Penny Sales Table with some of the proceeds going to Help a Child Smile. Like any CVFA event the proceeds go back into our […]
Heritage Day Pancake Breakfast
St John's Ancaster 272 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, ON, CanadaPlease join us for a delightful pancake breakfast on Saturday, June 7 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am, right before the parade! The cost is $15 per person and $10 for children under 12. Enjoy […]
Rainbow Storytime at HPL
Hamilton Libraries - various branchesJoin HPL staff for stories, songs and rhymes that foster acceptance and inclusion, celebrate family diversity, being yourself and a love of reading. June 5 10:30-11:00am Carlisle June 5 11-11:30am […]
Ancaster Heritage Days Parade
Ancaster Village Area 300 Wilson St E, Ancaster, Ontario, CanadaThe route is 2km long, starting 10AM at Wilson and Academy Streets and ending at Wilson and Todd Streets. Cash and debit donations will be collected along the parade route with proceeds […]
Niagara Community Safety Day
Niagara Safety Village 100 Niagara College Blvd, Welland, ON, CanadaYou're invited to our annual Community Safety Day! Bring the whole family for a day packed with excitement and learning. Kids will have a blast getting hands-on with demonstrations and […]
Family Saturday: Stone Painting
Oakville Galleries 1306 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, Ontario, CanadaJoin us at Oakville Galleries in Gairloch Gardens on Saturday, June 7 for a free, family-friendly art activity! Celebrate spring with a fun and creative Garden Stone Painting workshop. Using […]
Burlington Cruisin’ Car Show
Downtown Burlington Burlington, Ontario, CanadaFrom 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, June 7th drop by Brant Street and check out these amazing cars.
Kid’s Fun Day
250 Bunting Road 250 Bunting Road, St Catharines, ON, CanadaGet ready for an unforgettable adventure at our **3rd Annual Kids Fun Day**! Join us for a spectacular celebration of community where excitement awaits around every corner!
Re-Enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek
Battlefield Park 77 King St W, Stoney Creek, Ontario, CanadaBattlefield House Museum & Park, National Historic Site presents the annual Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek. Discover Canadian heritage and re-live firsthand the thrill and pageantry of […]
Imagine in the Park
Gage Park 1000 Main St East, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaWorkshops, Performances, Storytelling Stage Programming... and so much more! Keep an eye on the website for the full line up.
Spitfire Dedication
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum 9280 Airport Rd, Mount Hope, Ontario, CanadaJoin us as we dedicate our Supermarine Spitfire in its new markings to S/L Thomas DeCourcy, DFC. In April 1945, this officer led the squadron in an operation against the […]
Stoney Creek Cemetery Tour
Stoney Creek Cemetery 2680 King S. East, Stoney Creek, ON, CanadaJoin Battlefield House Museum and Cemetery Chronicles Tours to explore this rich history during the Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek weekend. Immerse yourself in this landscape that is […]
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”, […]
Downtown Milton SummerFest
Downtown Milton 251 Main Street East, Suite 103, Milton, Ontario, CanadaGet ready for Milton's biggest street festival! Downtown Milton is happening on Saturday, June 7th from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Don't miss out on a day full of free […]
Lego Brick Break
Toys R Us - all stores Ontario, CanadaBring your builder-kids in-store for freestyle building fun, demos + a chance to WIN* a featured LEGO® F1® set! PLUS: get a coupon for $10 OFF a future $50+ purchase (before taxes) of […]
Best Friends Day – Bracelet Making
Mastermind Toys Stores , CanadaJoin us in-store for our free friendship bracelet making event. Customize and share with your BFF! While supplies last.
Moana 2 at the Westdale
The Westdale Theatre 1014 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaAfter receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana reunites with the demigod Maui and journeys with her crew to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost […]
Family Movies at Hamilton Public Library
Hamilton Libraries - various branchesWatch new releases and rediscover old favourites. June 6 1-3pm Saltfleet Branch Dog Man June 7 1-3pm Valley Park Paddington June 7 1-3pm Barton Captain Underpants June 7 2-4pm Turner […]
Strawberry Social Caberet
Port Nelson United Church 3132 South Drive, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaJoin us for A Cappella Showcase's Strawberry Social Cabaret on Saturday, June 7 in Burlington — an afternoon filled with music, desserts, and good vibes. Bring your friends and family, […]
Junior Robotics at Joseph Brant Museum
Joseph Brant Museum 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaJoseph Brant Museum is pleased to host a series of Junior Robotics Engineer workshops, in partnership with Zebra Robotics Burlington! Have a child who loves to build? This series might […]
Family Movie Night at Fieldcote
Fieldcote Memorial Park 64 Sulphur Springs Rd, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaCome and join us Saturday, June 7, at 930pm outdoors at Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum for Moana 2. Bring your blankets, chairs, and snacks. Accessible parking is available onsite; […]
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.
LEGO Father’s Day Event for Kids
All Chapters and Indigo Stores , CanadaJoin us in-store for an engaging and creative LEGO Father’s Day Kids' event! Kids will have the opportunity to join a Storytime and then build their own unique LEGO creation and take them […]
Re-Enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek
Battlefield Park 77 King St W, Stoney Creek, Ontario, CanadaBattlefield House Museum & Park, National Historic Site presents the annual Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek. Discover Canadian heritage and re-live firsthand the thrill and pageantry of […]
Rainbow Storytime
BPL various branchesSpecial stories, songs & more to celebrate Pride Month June 4 10:30-11:00 New Appleby June 8 10:30-11:00 Alton June 12 10:30-11:00 Central June 14 10:30 -11:00 Aldershot June 19 10:30-11:00 […]
Voices of the Land: Indigenous Peoples Speaker Series
Crawford Lake Conservation Area 3115 Conservation Road, Milton, Ontario, CanadaJoin us as at Crawford Lake Conservation Area throughout the month of June as we honour and celebrate National Indigenous History Month. Voices of the Land is a special speaker […]
Fireside Chat: Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Land Stewardship
Crawford Lake Conservation Area 3115 Conservation Road, Milton, Ontario, CanadaJoin us for a presentation led by Teri Morrow, a Haudenosaunee registered dietitian from Six Nations of the Grand River. Teri will focus on Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Land Stewardship.
Paul Sage, Musician at HPL
HPL - selected branchesSinger, songwriter and family entertainer performs original and children's songs. Saturday, June 28: 11:00am - 12:00pm Kenilworth Wednesday, August 20: 10:00am - 11:00am Stoney Creek
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”, […]
Decoration Day
Dundurn National Historic Site 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaVisit Dundurn Park for a fantastic fun-filled afternoon that promises enjoyment for all ages! Step into the history of Decoration Day which began in 1890 as a day to honour […]
Mayor’s Historical Picnic
Lakeside Park 144 Front Street, Oakville, Ontario, CanadaEnjoy lots of fun for all ages at the annual Mayor's Historical Picnic. Bring your own lunch and lawn chair and enjoy live music, dance performances, crafts, games, and more.
Open Doors Free Family Fun
St Christopher's Church 662 Guelph Line, Burlington, ONJoin us for treats and kids' programming. Admission is free, but donations in support of the Open Doors program greatly appreciated.
Best Friends Day – Bracelet Making
Mastermind Toys Stores , CanadaJoin us in-store for our free friendship bracelet making event. Customize and share with your BFF! While supplies last.
Moana 2 at the Westdale
The Westdale Theatre 1014 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaAfter receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana reunites with the demigod Maui and journeys with her crew to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost […]
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
