Total solar eclipse 2024
For a certain part of North America, April 8, 2024 will be the scene of a spectacular celestial event: a total solar eclipse. With an average recurrence of around 375 years, we can say that this is a rare event! Here are some tips so you don't miss anything from this moment.
Where and when?
For the greater Charlevoix region, on Monday April 8, 2024, from approximately 2:20 p.m., the Moon will begin to enter the eclipse zone. It is at approximately 3:30 p.m. that the Moon will cover 97% of the Sun, for 1 to 2 minutes. We must therefore say that in Charlevoix, we will see a partial eclipse, and not total, to be exact. Are you located elsewhere? To find out more about the solar eclipse depending on where you are, consult the Éclipse Québec website.
How to protect yourself?
It is IMPERATIVE to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse, especially when observing it directly.
Whether with glasses or a mask, the equipment used must meet the ISO 12312-2 standard and be CE certified. As the eclipse will be partial for Charlevoix, it will be necessary to maintain visual protection throughout the duration of the eclipse to observe it.
Are you in the totality zone? You can follow these instructions .
What is an eclipse?
Eclipse comes from the Greek ekleipo , which means to abandon, darken or cease to exist. Solar or lunar in nature, it is an astronomical phenomenon whose observation depends on the geographical location where the observer is located. A solar eclipse involves the passage of the Moon between the Earth and the Sun, thus blocking part of the light received from it. We will soon be offering a video clip that will explain everything in detail, stay tuned! Until then, several sites already offer very interesting explanations, such as the Canadian Space Agency .
Where to get protective equipment?
The Charlevoix Astronomical and Astrobleme Observatories in collaboration with the Charlevoix Astronomy Club are offering free eclipse glasses to Charlevoix residents for the event of April 8, 2024 (limited quantities). Several distribution points in Charlevoix are offered. Details are on our Facebook page .
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It is also possible to obtain protective equipment in person in certain stores or online; Éclipse Québec has created a directory .
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In the meantime, our scientific director, Jean-Michel Gastonguay, talks to us about the eclipse and suggests a little experiment to do at home!