Total solar eclipse in the Eastern Townships: Are you ready?
The Eastern Townships stand out as one of the few regions in Quebec that falls entirely within the path of totality of the eclipse happening next Monday, April 8.
The phenomenon will occur above two dark sky reserves (Montmégantic First International Dark Sky Reserve and Au Diable Vert, Canadian dark sky preserve), providing a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the eclipse firsthand at one of the region’s 40 designated observation sites.
The eclipse will last several uninterrupted minutes locally. Contrasting with the 45-seconds totality window in Montreal, the eclipse duration in the Townships will be an impressive 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
According to Tourism Eastern Townships, local stakeholders have a variety of activities planned throughout the Eastern Townships for the occasion.
The tourism bureau has set up a dedicated web page where visitors can find all the information they need on the solar eclipse, including a detailed map of observation sites in the region, a directory of special events and activities, and many suggestions for extending their stay in the region. Visit easterntownships.org/2024eclipse
What’s the difference between a total and a partial solar eclipse?
“A total eclipse is radically different from a partial eclipse. The one that will hit the Eastern Townships is much rarer and much more spectacular. It’s literally the difference between day and night! Unless you’re hunting for an eclipse on the other side of the world, this is the only time in your life you’ll be able to experience it. To witness it, you need to be within the band of totality, which crosses the Eastern Townships,” explains Sébastien Giguère, scientific coordinator of the ASTROLAB in Montmégantic National Park in a statement from the tourism bureau.
To help plan
To find out all about the eclipse in the Townships: easterntownships. org/2024eclipse
Further information about the solar eclipse: Éclipse Totale de Soleil eclipsequebec.ca
Further information about the region: Tourism Eastern Townships