On April 8, in the afternoon, an extremely rare spectacle will be visible in the sky of southern Quebec: a total solar eclipse. For the occasion, a host of events will be held in this corner of the province to allow the population to benefit from the astronomical phenomenon. Here are some places where it will be possible, weather permitting, to see the sky darken through protective glasses.
At Jean-Drapeau Park
Starting at 11 a.m., the public will be able to attend a large gathering organized at Jean-Drapeau Park in Montreal free of charge. It will first be possible to walk between the scientific kiosks run by the Planetarium and Space for Life teams. The artist DJ Champion and the host Sophie Fouron will then take over. Afterwards, Innu astronomer Laurie Rousseau-Nepton will provide explanations about the rare phenomenon. Finally, the famous singer Diane Dufresne will perform a piece for the occasion. A total of 150,000 pairs of protective glasses will be distributed on site to those who were unable to obtain them before.
At the Montreal Science Center
The Montreal Science Center invites the population to come and enjoy the solar eclipse in the heart of the Old Port from 1 p.m. Scientific educators will be present on site to explain this exceptional phenomenon to everyone. Two Cirque du Soleil artists will also move through the crowd to deliver a performance. Protective glasses will also be distributed free of charge to participants, while supplies last.
On the campus of McGill University
From 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., McGill University is organizing an “eclipse fair” on its campus, which can be accessed from Sherbrooke Street West. Activities will take place during the afternoon and visitors will be able to wander between the scientific kiosks. The event is free and open to all those who wish to come and observe the astronomical phenomenon.
Around Mont-Mégantic Park
Tickets for the event which will be held at Mont-Mégantic national park, in Estrie, have already been sold out. However, some surrounding municipalities have decided to organize their own observation gatherings. This is the case for the canton of Hampden, which awaits astronomy enthusiasts from 2 p.m. at the Emmanuel-Prévost leisure pavilion. Participants are invited to bring their chairs. A limited quantity of protective glasses will be available on site.
In parks in Estrie and Montérégie
Parks in the SEPAQ network will also offer the public the opportunity to come and observe the rare spectacle of April 8. However, visitors are required to reserve their place online. In Estrie, an event will be held at Yamaska national park, while in Montérégie, it will be at Mont-Saint-Bruno and Îles-de-Boucherville national parks.