Climatology not in our favour for April’s solar eclipse
In just one month, April 8, 2024, several communities in Atlantic Canada will have the chance to experience a total solar eclipse.
What causes a solar eclipse? The Earth, sun and moon must align. As the moon passes between sun and Earth, it partially or completely blocks the sun’s light.
This path of totality — where the moon will 100 per cent cover the sun, will span from the parts of Newfoundland’s Avalon and Bonavista peninsulas to the southwest, over the northern tip of Cape Breton, western Prince Edward Island, and central New Brunswick.
This includes communities such as Bonavista and Stephenville, N.L., Meat Cove, N.S., Summerside, P.E.I., and Fredericton, N.B.
The rest of us will experience a partial eclipse but will still experience 90 to 99 per cent obstruction, except 70 to 90 per cent in Labrador.
The big question remains — will the weather be in our favour?
Of course, we won’t know that until much closer to the event. If we’re basing it on the past, I wish it was better news.
Clouds are common and often stubborn in April with satellite data indicating average cloud coverage of 60 to 90 per cent during the month. The website timeanddate. com, which also has eclipse maps and times, indicates average cloud cover since 2000 ranges 60 to 80-plus per cent.
That might sound discouraging but doesn’t mean this April 8 will be shrouded in clouds. It will though be a wait and see until much closer to the event.
Remember, except for a moment in the path of totality at 100 per cent coverage, it won’t be safe to look at the sun during the eclipse without proper eyewear.
Let’s cross our fingers the weather cooperates for what’s often a once in a lifetime event.