Montrealers excited to see total solar eclipse on Monday

On Monday, Montrealers will be able to watch the moon pass directly in front of the sun, blocking it to create a day-turns-to-night phenomenon. This is called a total solar eclipse and it will be the first time one is visible in Montreal since 1932. The next one that might be seen here is only in 2205.

“It really looks like something out of this world. It is absolutely shocking,” said Jonathan Gagné, an astrophysicist for the Montreal Planetarium, speaking about the first time he saw a total solar eclipse.

“It is very surprising how emotional it can be indeed. I have seen one in my life and it’s completely different from other types of eclipses. It’s actually hard to believe what you are seeing with your own eyes when the totality starts.” 

To give Montrealers an opportunity to view and celebrate this rare occasion, there will be an event at Espace 67 at Parc Jean-Drapeau that will feature musicians and experts to create a once in a lifetime experience.

The total solar eclipse will happen at around 3:27 p.m. and is predicted to last only about a minute-and-a-half. 

“It’s the rarity and also just the beauty of it, too,” said James Sabbagh, a Montrealer. “Day becomes night for two minutes. And it’s like you question how beautiful it is.” 

For me, it’s the idea of this different perspective, how small I really am in the big scheme of things. And that’s how I feel about it. You know, it’s a unique experience,” said Anne-Marie Beaudoin, another Montrealer. 

Those wanting to watch the total solar eclipse should find themselves a pair of protective eclipse eyeglasses as looking directly into the sun can cause permanent eye damage, experts have said. 

“If you are just mindful that before and after the totality, you put your glasses back on and you don’t try to look at the sun, you will be fine,’ explained Gagné, “but be sure to remove your glasses when the moon completely hides the sun because you will not see anything with your glasses otherwise.” 

The eclipse can be viewed in different parts of Montreal, but areas like the East end and even Laval won’t experience the day-turns-to-night phenomenon.

Applications such as My Eclipse can tell you if you will be in the total solar eclipse zone and how long it will last for a specific location.

“I would definitely encourage people to use it, especially if it gives you a live position with respect to the center of the pad of totality. Absolutely go for it,” said Gagné.

While many Montrealers are excited about seeing the eclipse, there are also people coming from out of town to witness this phenomenon.

“Me and a group of friends we’re kind of looking into different places. Maybe some parks, maybe rooftop terrace. It also depends on the weather in Montreal, really,” said David Applebaum, visiting from Ottawa.

“We came all the way here to see the eclipse. We saw the 2017 in Nebraska and I said I’m never missing another one,” explained Michael Fieldhammer, from Minneapolis.

Preparations are already underway to set up the viewing celebrations at Parc Jean-Drapeau. The festivities begin at 11am and free protective eclipse eyeglasses will be handed out on-site.

“A total solar eclipse will make you lose your mind. I was yelling the whole time. Last time I saw one. It is extremely shocking,” said Gagné.