2024-03-22 10:54:36
PHENOMENON. The phenomenon which will occur on April 8 attracts astronomy enthusiasts to the Eastern Townships region. This is an event that will not return before the end of the century.
Thousands of people from Quebec and elsewhere around the world will travel to see the first total eclipse since 1972.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, completely obscuring it for a short time.
For that of April 8, 2024, the band of totality will be visible in southern Quebec, where the Eastern Townships region is located in the center. Depending on the exact geographic location, the phenomenon will occur around 3:25/3:30 p.m. and is expected to last up to 3 minutes 30 seconds.
It is in Mont-Mégantic Park, a mecca of Quebec astronomy, where totality will be the longest. This is also what attracts several experts to arrive at this location. However, the activity is full.
This unique event also places the region at the top of the New York Times list of the 52 most beautiful places to visit around the world in 2024.
FASHION
The phenomenon could attract “hundreds of thousands of people” to the region, according to Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est (TCE). In terms of accommodation where reservations have been “going strong” for several months already, TCE ensures that the options in the Cantons will be able to fill this wave of requests.
Many booked in advance to reserve a place to sleep in the area for April 8th. In October, Manoir Hovey, in North Hatley, was already full for this period.
The observation sites having prepared special activities for the occasion will take place at the Stanstead Stone Circle, at the Austin municipal park, at the Maison Merry in Magog, at the Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises, in the center of alpine skiing at Mont-Orford and Jouvence.
Unlike the Sherbrooke region, the schools of the Sommets School Service Center will be closed for the occasion. April 8 was declared an educational day.
Additional information and observation locations on the Éclipse Québec website (www.eclipsequebec.ca) or at the locations offered in the MRC to admire this natural phenomenon.
PRECAUTIONS
Observing the sun for more than a few seconds “can damage the retina.” During an eclipse, the ambient brightness decreases and the spectacular side of the phenomenon attracts attention. “Any part of the sun not hidden by the Moon is harmful to the retina. For this reason, there is an increased danger of damaging our eyes, indicates Éclipse Québec, inviting the population to obtain special glasses.
Ordinary sunglasses are not suitable for viewing the eclipse. They are nowhere near opaque enough to protect you.
Hopefully there will be few clouds to maximize this unique experience.
The sun’s rays can be harmful when observing a solar eclipse. Wearing special glasses is strongly recommended when viewing it. (Photo: Depositphotos)
Young people at home
Remember that educational establishments located on the territory of the Sommets School Service Center (CSSDS) will be closed during this historic day. In a letter sent to parents in mid-January, the general director of the CSSDS, Lisa Rodrigue, explains that viewing this phenomenon requires specific equipment and adequate supervision of children. “Due to the issues associated with the eclipse which coincides with the students’ exit and their travel by bus, classes will be suspended. Monday April 8 therefore becomes an educational day,” confirms Ms. Rodrigue in writing.
Please note that daycare services will be open as usual, but additional supervision measures will be put in place.
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