Experiencing the Solar Eclipse at Dawson on Monday, April 8

Montreal is in the zone of totality for the solar eclipse on the afternoon of Monday, April 8. Total solar eclipses occur when the moon passes in front of the sun, blocking out its light.

Some people will be travelling to southern Quebec to see it, but we can enjoy this rare sight right at Dawson! It will not be visible again in Quebec until 2205.

The Physics Department and Campus Life will be giving out about 2,000 solar eclipse glasses on a first-come, first-served basis to students and employees at 9:30 AM in the Upper Atrium on April 8. Eclipse glasses are also available for sale at many retailers. To avoid serious damage to your eyes, the glasses must be compliant with the ISO 12312-2 standard. There should be special warning labels on the packaging as well as information about the manufacturer and compliance testing.

The SPACE team offered eclipse glasses to teachers who have courses scheduled that afternoon; those glasses have been allocated now. SPACE is also bringing in a speaker on Friday, April 5 at 1 PM in 5B.16 to talk about the solar eclipse. He will present during the Enriched Science Seminar time slot; seating will be limited: https://space.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/events/detail/solar_eclipses_over_the_ages

In Montreal, the eclipse begins on April 8 at 2:14 PM, the total eclipse occurs at 3:26 PM and the eclipse ends at 4:36 PM. Clear skies are needed to observe the eclipse. Parks, open fields and elevated viewpoints could be suitable locations to see it.

Operations at Dawson will continue as scheduled on April 8. Information to students and employees will be communicated next week.