2024-02-16 20:40:15
Protective glasses for watching the rare solar eclipse on April 8 are experiencing enormous popularity in Quebec, so much so that the handful of merchants who sell them in the province are already anticipating a shortage of stock.
• Read also: For the first time in 50 years, you might see this celestial phenomenon
• Read also: The list of schools closed due to the April 8 solar eclipse is growing
“It’s incredible, I’ve never seen that in 35 years! It is beyond our expectations. We just sold $55,000 worth to one school board and $9,000 worth to another,” says Stefan Broquet, owner of the Astronomy Plus store in Longueuil.
Stefan Broquet, owner of the Astronomy Plus store in Longueuil, claims to have sold approximately $65,000 worth of eclipse glasses during the day of Friday. Photo provided by Stefan Broquet
The Journal also noted that the excitement for the total solar eclipse, which has not occurred for 50 years in the province, is also palpable at La Maison de l’Astronomie in Montreal.
“It’s been crazy since January 5! We receive dozens of calls and emails a day for glasses. We also have dozens of customers in the store who want them,” rejoices Henri-Julien Chartrand, store employee.
- In this video, Mr. Chartrand summarizes the “madness” for eclipse glasses in their business:
“Once in a lifetime”
Customers flocked to this store on rue Saint-Hubert Friday morning.
This is the case of Isabelle Legault, who came to buy protective glasses for colleagues at Lionel-Groulx College where she teaches psychology.
Isabelle Langlois, a customer who came to buy sunglasses for her colleagues on Friday at the Maison de l’Astronomie. Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“It’s a euphoric moment to be able to watch such a rare phenomenon. I have already told my students that if the eclipse is at 3:30 p.m., I will not be in class,” she confides with a chuckle.
Marie-Josée Lemay was also passing through to buy equipment for her family, including her eight-year-old niece who lives in the Charlevoix region. “It happens once in a lifetime! I want her to keep memories of the eclipse and enjoy it,” shares Ms. Lemay, all smiles.
On the left, the pile of orders completed at the La Maison de l’astronomie store since January 1, 2024. On the right, the pile of orders to be confirmed. Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Indeed, according to the Éclipse Québec 2024 Group, we will have to wait approximately 80 years before witnessing another total eclipse in our province… i.e. in 2106.
Shortage ahead
The owner of Astronomy Plus confirms that they are already out of stock for children’s protective glasses.
Stefan Broquet and his daughter Marika in their store in Longueuil, where a shortage of eclipse glasses for children has already been noted. Photo provided by Stefan Broquet
“We really fear a shortage for all models before the eclipse. The closer we get to April, the more difficult it will be. The price also risks rising, it’s a question of supply and demand,” warns Stefan Broquet.
The Maison de l’Astronomy also fears that it will exhaust its inventory in the coming weeks.
Henri-Julien Chartrand invites adults to keep a close eye on children who will observe the eclipse. Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“But we are especially worried regarding the misuse of glasses. I always say: one adult per child during eclipse observation. You must also make sure you have the ISO certification written on the product so that the glasses are safe,” warns Mr. Chartrand.
THE TOTAL ECLIPSE, IN 2024, IN QUEBEC:
The moon blocks the sun during a total solar eclipse in the town of Exmouth, Western Australia, in April 2023. AFP
- Or : Observable in southern Quebec: the greater Montreal region, Montérégie, Estrie, Centre-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches and the Magdalen Islands
- Date : 8 avril 2024
- Hour : Around 3:26 p.m. in Greater Montreal
- Duration : 3 min 30
- Danger : Looking at the Sun during an eclipse (or any other time) can cause permanent damage to the retina
- Equipment : Buy nets or glasses that block more than 99.9% of the Sun’s rays
Source: Éclipse Québec 2024 Group
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