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Université de Montréal

A rare event

A solar eclipse will be visible in Quebec on the afternoon of April 8, 2024. In the southeastern part of Quebec, including Montreal, it will be a total eclipse.

A total solar eclipse is an uncommon event that generally occurs once in a lifetime. The next time one will be visible from a major Quebec city will be in 2106, so don’t miss this one!

During a total eclipse, the Moon completely blocks out the Sun. This phase, known as totality, can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. It is a stunning experience: the sky darkens and the temperature drops by a dozen degrees. The Sun’s corona is visible, and some of the brighter stars can be seen around it.

Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun

A solar eclipse is a rare astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, completely obscuring the Sun for a brief period.

 

To find out more about solar eclipses, check out the Éclipse Québec website.

Protective glasses are a must for viewing a total solar eclipse


It is always dangerous to look at the Sun without protection. You need proper eye protection when gazing at the Sun during an eclipse or at any other time. Be sure to wear certified protective glasses.*

 

* ISO 12312-2-compliant solar viewers have specially designed filters that block over 99.9% of the Sun’s rays.

When?

 

Put on your eclipse glasses before you look up at the Sun and look away before taking them off.

The only time you can take off the glasses is during totality, the few seconds when the Sun is completely eclipsed.

How?

 

If you wear glasses, wear the solar eclipse glasses over your regular glasses or hold them just in front of them.

Don’t look at the Sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope while wearing eclipse glasses.

Care and maintenance

 

Make sure the filters are intact and properly glued to the cardboard frame.

Don’t wipe or clean the filters.

Protect your solar eclipse glasses. Store them between the pages of a thick book or in a box.

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