You may have heard the joke by now: “How do you organize a solar eclipse party? You planet.”
But you could also let someone plan it for you.
And throughout the Hamilton-Niagara region — home to some of the best areas in Canada to see the total solar eclipse on April 8 — there are plenty of options.
That day, people across the continent will see the moon pass between the sun and the Earth. In some places, it will partially block out the sun. But in others — including Hamilton, Burlington, Ont., Six Nations, Ont., and the Niagara Region — the moon will fully block the star’s light.
The length of time will vary depending where you are. In Hamilton, for example, the sun will be completely hidden for about two minutes starting at 3:18 p.m. ET, according to the Canadian Space Agency. However, it will be at least partially covered from about 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Robert Cockcroft, the director of McMaster University’s William J. McCallion Planetarium, shares why the Hamilton-Niagara region will be the best in Ontario from which to view the April 8 eclipse. He also explains why this eclipse will be a big deal, and how to view it safely.
Here’s some of what’s going on, including outdoor viewing parties, overnight camping and an inflatable planetarium.
Hamilton
If you’ve got connections to McMaster University, one option is that school’s viewing party at the Ron Joyce Stadium. The party will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are free by limited to four per McMaster community member.
Six Nations of the Grand River
People can gather at Six Nations Parks & Recreation to view the eclipse between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Burlington, Ont.
The Royal Botanical Gardens’s arboretum will host a “picnic-style” viewing party from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers. The event is free but you have to register and pay to park.
Niagara Falls, Ont.
Niagara Parks is promoting several events, including some leading up to the date. The Power Station will host educators and a mobile planetarium from April 5 through 8. NASA and Canadian Space Agency scientists will give talks.
From April 6 to 8, the nearby Table Rock Centre will hold interactive workshops geared toward kids.
On eclipse day, the Butterfly Conservatory will have an astronomer from Toronto Metropolitan University present to talk with guests.
The falls will be lit up specially for the eclipse on April 7, and there will be live music on April 8 with performances from The Glorious Sons, JJ Wilde, New Friends, The Boneheads, and the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, which will play a prelude to the eclipse, resuming when the moon fully covers the sun.
Wainfleet, Ont.
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is opening its Ball’s Falls, Binbrook, and Long Beach parks early for the eclipse.
At Long Beach in Wainfleet, Ont., the group camping area will be available for day-use on April 8. People can also book sites to camp at from April 7 to April 8.
Port Colborne, Ont.
At the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, there will be telescopes to view the eclipse, and an inflatable planetarium.
Tom Sobocan, public relations director for the Royal Astronomical Society’s Windsor group, explains where and how to watch the eclipse on April 8.
Fort Erie, Ont.
Fort Erie looks to have Canada’s longest totality, meaning it will see the longest period of darkness during the eclipse: three minutes and 46 seconds. There will be road closures and designated viewing areas including Bay Beach and Crystal Ridge Park.
What if you can’t see the eclipse?
If weather, work or something else prevents you from physically seeing the eclipse, or if you want a different view, there are streaming options too, including one from NASA.
Are you hosting or joining an eclipse event we should know about? Let us know at [email protected]
