Maximum Eclipse & Obscuration: When to See April 8 Partial/Total Solar Eclipse Across Canada

Today, North America will witness a total solar eclipse, an event where the Moon fully obscures the Sun, casting a shadow that will momentarily darken parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

image

The path of totality, where observers will experience complete darkness, includes select locations across Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland in Canada. Those situated outside these areas will still enjoy a partial eclipse, where the Sun remains partially visible.

 

When to See Solar Eclipse:

Here are the predicted times and obscuration in selected cities across Canada from Time and Date and National Solar Observatory:

British Columbia:

City Partial Eclipse Maximum Eclipse Obscuration
Vancouver 10:43 am to 12:20 pm 11:30 am ~17%
Victoria 10:41 am to 12:19 pm 11:29 am ~17.7%
Kelowna 10:44 am to 12:27 pm 11:35 am ~20.8%
Prince George 10:54 am to 12:21 pm 11:37 am ~12.7%

 

Alberta:

City Partial Eclipse Maximum Eclipse Obscuration
Edmonton 11:54 am to 1:39 pm 12:46 pm ~23.2%
Calgary 11:48 am to 1:38 pm 12:43 pm ~26.2%
Grande Prairie 11:57 am to 1:29 pm 12:42 pm ~15.2%
Medicine Hat 11:47 am to 1:45 pm 12:45 pm ~32.6%

 

Saskatchewan:

City Partial Eclipse Maximum Eclipse Obscuration
Regina 11:51 am to 1:56 pm 12:53 pm ~40.8%
Saskatoon 11:53 am to 1:52 pm 12:52 pm ~34.4%
Prince Albert 11:56 am to 1:53 pm 12:54 pm ~33.6%

 

Manitoba:

City Partial Eclipse Maximum Eclipse Obscuration
Winnipeg 12:54 pm to 3:08 pm 2:01 pm ~53.6%
Brandon 12:52 pm to 3:03 pm 1:58 pm ~49.3%
Churchill 1:11 pm to 3:06 pm 2:09 pm ~35.7%

 

Ontario:

City Partial/Total Eclipse Maximum Eclipse Obscuration
Ottawa 2:11 pm to 4:35 pm 3:25 pm ~98.9%
Toronto 2:04 pm to 4:31 pm 3:19 pm ~99.9%
Windsor 1:58 pm to 4:27 pm 3:14 pm ~99.5%
London 2:01 pm to 4:29 pm 3:17 pm ~99.7%
Niagara Falls 2:04 pm to 4:31 pm
Totality:
3:18:18 to 3:21:49 pm
3:20 pm
Totality Duration:
3 minutes, 31 seconds
100%
Hamilton 2:03 pm to 4:31 pm
Totality:
3:18:12 to 3:20:02 pm
3:19 pm
Totality Duration:
1 minute, 50 seconds
100%
Kingston 2:09 pm to 4:34 pm
Totality:
3:22:15 to 3:25:19 pm
3:23 pm
Totality Duration:
3 minutes, 4 seconds
100%
Kitchener 2:03 pm to 4:30 pm 3:18 pm ~99.3%
Barrie 2:05 pm to 4:31 pm 3:19 pm ~97.5%
Sudbury 2:05 pm to 4:29 pm 3:19 pm ~88.5%
Thunder Bay 1:59 pm to 4:19 pm 3:10 pm ~70%
Sault Ste. Marie 2:01 pm to 4:26 pm 3:15 pm ~83.6%
Kenora 12:56 pm to 3:12 pm 2:04 pm ~58%
Timmins 2:07 pm to 4:28 pm 3:19 pm ~81.1%

 

Quebec:

City Partial/Total Eclipse Maximum Eclipse Obscuration
Quebec City 2:18 pm to 4:38 pm 3:30 pm ~98.5%
Montréal 2:14 pm to 4:36 pm
Totality:
3:26:49 to 3:28:16 pm
3:27 pm
Totality Duration:
1 minute, 27 seconds
~100%
Sherbrooke 2:16 pm to 4:38 pm
Totality:
3:27:42 to 3:31:08 pm
3:29 pm
Totality Duration:
3 minutes, 26 seconds
~100%
Trois-Rivières 2:16 pm to 4:37 pm 3:28 pm ~98.9%

New Brunswick:

City Partial/Total Eclipse Maximum Eclipse Obscuration
Fredericton 3:23 pm to 5:41 pm
Totality:
4:33:49 to 4:36:06 pm
4:34 pm
Totality Duration:
2 minutes, 17 seconds
~100%
Saint John 3:24 pm to 5:42 pm 4:35 pm ~98.4%
Moncton 3:26 pm to 5:43 pm 4:36 pm ~99.9%
Miramichi 3:25 pm to 5:42 pm
Totality:
4:34:24 to 4:37:32 pm
4:35 pm

Totality Duration:
3 minutes, 8 seconds

~100%

Prince Edward Island:

City Partial/Total Eclipse Maximum Eclipse Obscuration
Charlottetown 3:28 pm to 5:43 pm 4:38 pm ~99.6%
Summerside 3:27 pm to 5:43 pm
Totality:
4:37:08 to 4:38:10 pm
4:37 pm
Totality Duration:
1 minute, 2 seconds
~100%
Alberton 3:27 pm to 5:43 pm
Totality:
4:35:48 to 4:38:51 pm
4:37 pm
Totality Duration:
3 minutes, 3 seconds
~100%

Nova Scotia:

City Partial/Total Eclipse Maximum Eclipse Obscuration
Halifax 3:27 pm to 5:44 pm 4:38 pm ~94.4%
Sydney 3:31 pm to 5:45 pm 4:40 pm ~97.5%
Truro 3:27 pm to 5:44 pm 4:38 pm ~96.7%
Meat Cove 3:31 pm to 5:45 pm
Totality:
4:39:36 to 4:41:06 pm
4:40 pm
Totality Duration:
1 minute, 30 seconds
~100%

Newfoundland & Labrador:

City Partial/Total Eclipse Maximum Eclipse Obscuration
St. John’s 4:09 pm to 6:17 pm 5:15 pm ~99.2%
Gander 4:07 pm to 6:16 pm
Totality:
5:12:59 to 5:15:12 pm
5:14 pm
Totality Duration:
2 minutes, 13 seconds
~100%
Bonavista 4:08 pm to 6:17 pm
Totality:
5:13:45 to 5:16:39 pm
5:15 pm
Totality Duration:
2 minutes, 54 seconds
~100%
Grand Falls-Windsor 4:06 pm to 6:16 pm

Totality:

5:12:28 to 5:14:20 pm

5:13 pm

Totality Duration:

1 minute, 52 seconds

~100%
Happy Valley-Goose Bay 3:32 pm to 5:40 pm 4:38 pm ~82.5%
Labrador City 3:26 pm to 5:37 pm 4:33 pm ~79.6%

 

Eye Safety:

This astronomical phenomenon requires cautious observation to avoid eye damage. The Sun’s powerful radiation can cause permanent retinal damage if viewed without proper protection. Solar retinopathy, the result of such exposure, impairs the retina’s ability to process light. The risk persists even during a partial eclipse.

To safely enjoy a solar eclipse, it’s crucial to use ISO 12312-2:2015 compliant eclipse glasses, which protect eyes from harmful solar radiation. During the total eclipse phase, it’s momentarily safe to view without glasses, but timing is essential to avoid eye damage.

Avoid using unfiltered cameras or binoculars, as they can amplify sunlight. For safe indirect viewing, consider making a pinhole projector. Ensure children’s safety and inspect all viewing devices for damage. Skin protection is also vital; apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to guard against the Sun’s rays during the eclipse.

Leave a Reply