As the eagerly anticipated total solar eclipse approaches on April 8, enthusiasts across Toronto are gearing up for a celestial spectacle that happens once every 375 years. While the city will only witness a partial eclipse, just a short distance away lies the path of totality, promising an awe-inspiring experience for those who venture to observe it.
Astrophysicist Hanno Rein astrophysicist, in a recent University of Toronto news article, emphasized the rarity and allure of such an event.
“The rarity of an eclipse makes it very special. Beyond that, it’ll be completely dark in the middle of the day. If that is not captivating, I’m not sure what is!” he said.
Rein, an associate professor in the department of physical and environmental sciences at U of T Scarborough, encouraged individuals to seize the opportunity to witness this extraordinary phenomenon.
“If you have the chance to take the day off to go and see it, I strongly encourage you to do so,” he said. “It’s a rare event and it’s worth it.”
When asked about the fascination surrounding solar eclipses, Rein underscored their unique nature. “The rarity of an eclipse makes it very special. Beyond that, it’ll be completely dark in the middle of the day. If that is not captivating, I’m not sure what is!” he remarked.
For those residing in Toronto, Rein clarified what to expect on April 8.
“Toronto will only get a partial eclipse, which is still very exciting – but it’s very different from seeing a total eclipse,” he explained. “Even one per cent of sunlight is still very bright so you won’t see prominences in the sun’s corona, which are the loops of plasma that extend out from its surface, or stars in the sky.”
To catch a glimpse of the total eclipse, Rein advised for travellers to head southwest to Burlington or east to Port Hope.
“The further you travel towards the central line of the total eclipse, the longer you will be able to experience it,” he said.
Ensuring safe viewing practices is paramount, Rein stresses. “Do not look directly at the sun. I can’t emphasize that enough,” he said. “You can do permanent damage to your eyes if you do.” Eclipse glasses are essential for safeguarding one’s vision, with Rein cautioning against using sunglasses or homemade filters.
In preparation for the event, Rein has developed resources to aid enthusiasts. “I’ve made a map that shows where and when the eclipse shadow will take place over the GTA,” he said. “I also created a free app that calculates accurate timing of the eclipse and what it will look like based on your location.”
As excitement builds, Rein advised against the distraction of photography. “I recommend not taking pictures during the eclipse because it will be over quickly,” he said. “Just relax and enjoy the experience.”
Considering logistical challenges such as potential cloud coverage and traffic congestion, Rein advises planning ahead. “Be sure to check the forecast. You might be able to travel to an area with no clouds,” he said.
“For this time of year in the GTA there is a 60 to 70 per cent chance of cloud coverage. If there are clouds, it will still get very dark, but you won’t see the corona (outermost part of the atmosphere around the sun) during totality, which is disappointing,” he added.
For good viewing spots in Toronto, see this article.
U of T’s Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics is hosting a live streamed viewing event on April 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. on YouTube.