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A Historic Eclipse: Resources to Prepare Your Classes

  • fanniebilodeau
  • Mar 5, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago


On April 8, 2024, not only will a solar eclipse be visible from all over Quebec , but it will also take place in the afternoon (between 2:15 p.m. and 4:35 p.m., totality around 3:27 p.m. ). In addition, it will be total in southeastern Quebec. This means that for a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the precise location:

  • the Moon will completely hide the Sun,

  • it's going to be dark,

  • the temperature will drop by about ten degrees,

  • the animals are going to bed.


This is a unique experience and an exceptional educational opportunity! Such an eclipse is an extremely rare event ; one could even say it's the event of a lifetime. The last time a total solar eclipse occurred in Quebec was in 1972 in Cap-Chat; in Montreal, it was in 1932! The next one in Quebec won't be until 2079.


The eclipse can be observed directly with glasses equipped with solar filters, conforming to the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard , or indirectly by making an eclipse projection . Glasses equipped with solar filters must be worn at all times to view the Sun except when it is completely hidden by the Moon. Therefore, those in an area where the eclipse is total can remove their glasses for the few moments when the surface of the Sun is no longer visible. For others, glasses must be worn at all times.






Where can I find practical and reliable resources?

 

1. Visit iREx's E for Eclipse to listen to astrophysicist Marie-Eve Naud. This is a comprehensive workshop you can use in your classroom.

2. Go to the Discovering the Universe website to check out the wealth of resources!



3. To find out more precisely what time the total eclipse will be in your area: https://www.eclipsequebec.ca/carte


4. It 's late to order glasses in bulk! Some sellers who still offer them are listed on: How to observe eclipses properly - Safely ( eclipsequebec.ca )

 

5. No glasses? No problem! Check out Discovering the Universe, which explains how to observe the eclipse indirectly, safely and in a fun way!

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