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.
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% |
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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: | ~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.