Solar eclipse 2024 in Canada: 'Once in a lifetime' event features stunning photos, disappointment, and a Guinness World Record that topples China

It was surely a day to remember, from stunning photos and videos, to crowds gathering across key cities in Canada to witness the rare celestial event.

Canadians were able to experience a total solar eclipse, as the Moon passed between the Sun and Earth, bringing darkness to various parts across the country for several minutes on April 8, 2024.

Key cities that experienced totality were Montreal, Fredericton, Summerside, P.E.I., Gander, N.L., Kingston, Ont. and Niagara Falls. To start the day, the border town became home to a Guinness World Record, after 309 participants created the largest gathering of people dressed as the Sun. Other places such as Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg and Toronto were also able to witness partial eclipses.

For some, the rare celestial event lived up to expectations. Others were left disappointed, due mainly to cloudy overcasts throughout parts of the country, which obstructed their views of seeing what's been categorized as a "once in a lifetime" event. Below, through Yahoo Canada's live blog, we take a look at the unique events and people who made April 8 a day to remember.

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  • Stunning visuals from across Canada as the eclipses dazzles in the sky

    Like with any rare visual event, we can be sure that photographers will make their mark. This time was no different, with stunning photos and videos surfacing from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador.

    For more photos from across the country of the total solar eclipse, see Yahoo Canada's full photo gallery.

    A total solar eclipse is photographed from Prince Edward County, Ont., Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
    A total solar eclipse is photographed from Prince Edward County, Ont., Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
    Solar flares fringe the moon as it passes in front of the sun during the totality phase of a total solar eclipse, in Kingston, Ont., Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
    Solar flares fringe the moon as it passes in front of the sun during the totality phase of a total solar eclipse, in Kingston, Ont., Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
    The moon makes its way in front of the sun during a total solar eclipse framed above the angel atop the Princes' Gates, in Toronto, Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
    The moon makes its way in front of the sun during a total solar eclipse framed above the angel atop the Princes' Gates, in Toronto, Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
    The moon covers the sun during totality of the a total solar eclipse in Fredericton, Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
    The moon covers the sun during totality of the a total solar eclipse in Fredericton, Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
    People watch the totally phase of a total solar eclipse at Parc Jean Drapeau, in Montreal, Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
    People watch the totally phase of a total solar eclipse at Parc Jean Drapeau, in Montreal, Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
    The moon nearly covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Monday, April 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
    The moon nearly covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Monday, April 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
    The partial phase of the total solar eclipse is seen through obscuring clouds in Gander, N.L., Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Daly
    The partial phase of the total solar eclipse is seen through obscuring clouds in Gander, N.L., Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Daly
    People gather to watch the total solar eclipse from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Monday, April 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
    People gather to watch the total solar eclipse from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Monday, April 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
  • 2024 solar eclipse: Mixed reactions across Ontario as some get luckier than others

    Out in Kingston, Ont., viewers were able to witness the "once in a generation" event, as they experienced a total solar eclipse after initially dealing with some cloudy skies.

    However, some viewers across Ontario weren't too pleased with their experience.

    Amanda Barlett paid over $100 total in tickets for herself and her two kids, but little was visible standing next to the viewing floor of the CN tower.

    “I don’t think it’s any better. We’re probably at the best vantage point just because we’re higher relative to the crowds. There's a lot of buildup for not much view,” she said.

    The mother of two and her kids admitted they were disappointed but aren’t sure if they would have gone outside the city if given a re-do.

    “It was opening up. I got some good shots, and you could see the shadows changing."

    Out at Niagara Falls, entertainers did their best to try to cheer up the crowds, especially as some made the journey bright and early, and travelled vast distances to secure what they thought would be a prime location.

    However, their perseverance would pay off, with a sliver of a glimpse of the total solar eclipse coming near the very end.

  • Conditions clear up for Kingston as onlookers start to capture the event

    Out in Kingston, Ont., conditions started to clear up to give viewers a chance to witness the rare celestial event.

    Kingston is one of the major Canadian cities that will able to see a total solar eclipse, with totality beginning at 3:22 p.m. EDT.

  • Vancouver tries to witness a partial eclipse, but cloudy conditions prevail

    Out in Vancouver, where residents were hoping to see a partial eclipse, there wasn't much luck to be had on April 8.

    Partial Total Solar Eclipse Times
    Partial Total Solar Eclipse Times
  • Residents across Ontario gear up to witness a historic event — despite the challenges

    Across Ontario, many are getting ready to witness the solar eclipse, such as in Kingston. However, on the ground reports show that the cloudy conditions in the sky aren't doing anyone many favours.

    In Toronto, where a partial eclipse will be seen, many have flocked to the CN Tower to witness the event.

    Toronto Metropolitan University students Teo Mesrkhani and his friend Charlie Zhao have reservations at the CN Tower restaurant. They didn’t move fast enough to get general admission, so they must spend at least $75 each to take in the view. General admission tickets were about half that cost.

    “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so the next time is in 120 years, so this will be our only chance to do it. It made sense to splurge the money,” Mesrkhani said before heading to his table.

    In St. Catharines, enthusiasts of all kinds are taking the time to monitor how plants, animals and statues will be affected by the solar eclipse. It's thanks to the use of intelligent telescopes and infrared cameras.

  • Poll: Will you be viewing the 2024 solar eclipse?

    Forget city monuments, affordable transit, or rising leisure time. There’s nothing quite like the rare solar eclipse to set off a tourism boom — and right now, as people gather together to honour the historic event, Canada is profiting big time.

    Many of the key cities on the path — including Kingston — have reported seeing a rise in hotel occupancy for the big day, with travellers heading to Niagara Falls expected to spend at least $1,000 per night for a room if they haven’t booked already.

    READ MORE: Solar eclipse 2024: Travellers kick off Canadian tourism boom for ‘once in a generation’ solar eclipse April 8

     

  • What if it's cloudy during the eclipse? Here's what to look out for.

    The moon covered the sun, creating a wedding ring effect among clouds during the eclipse in 2017. (Getty Images)
    The moon covered the sun, creating a wedding ring effect among clouds during the eclipse in 2017. (Getty Images)

    If you happen to be in a cloudy spot during the eclipse, all is not lost.

    According to Matthew Cappucci, a meteorologist and atmospheric scientist for the MyRadar app, you’ll still be able to see the moon’s shadow sweep across the sky even if it's cloudy. Chances are it will be dark and cloudy overhead, but the horizon around it will still appear bright.

    “It looks very weird — like you’re in the middle of this ring,” he told Gizmodo, noting that you'll likely experience a sudden change in wind speed and see unusual animal behavior due to the spontaneous darkness.

    “You can still experience it with your ears because the birds might change their roosting songs,” Patricia Reiff, professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University, told Time magazine. “You might experience it with your eyes because the dogs and other animals are lying down and acting as though it’s the evening.”

    Even Bill Nye the Science Guy said an eclipse is super cool no matter how cloudy it is.

    “It'll still be an eclipse,” Nye told the Austin American-Statesman. “Be in the moment for these four minutes. Just settle in and enjoy it. It's spectacular.”

    For more storylines from south of the border, follow along at Yahoo News' solar eclipse live blog.

  • What time and where will the 2024 solar eclipse be visible in Canada?

    In Canada, the solar eclipse's path of totality will pass through some cities and towns in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, plunging them into darkness for a few minutes.

    In the chart below, you will see listed all the major Canadian eclipse hotspots with the time of onset and duration posted beside.

    Those living outside the eclipse's path will witness a portion of the moon blocking the sun, and this can range from 10% up to 99% depending on your proximity to the path of totality.

    Below, see a chart of major Canadian cities that will witness a partial eclipse along with the percentage the moon will block the sun.

    Partial Total Solar Eclipse Times
    Partial Total Solar Eclipse Times
  • Solar eclipse 2024: What to expect from the weather, cloud forecasts across Canada

    Cloud cover looks like it will impact parts of Canada that are subject to the solar eclipse's path totality. Forecasts are subject to change, which makes it crucial to check local conditions.

    Here's the latest info from The Weather Network to help you understand what to expect:

    Canada Eclipse Outlook April 7 2024
    Canada Eclipse Outlook April 7 2024

    Southern Ontario: Clouds with breaks of clearing

    The moon’s shadow makes landfall on the northern shores of Lake Erie near Leamington at 3:13 p.m. ET. Totality will spend just fourteen minutes traversing Ontario, with lucky folks smack dab in the middle of the path of totality seeing midday darkness for about three minutes.

    Clouds will play a starring role in Monday afternoon’s brief show.

    A low-pressure system over the northern United States will spill some clouds over southern Ontario to start the day, so you’ll wake up to plenty of clouds.

    However, in the final countdown to the eclipse, those clouds will begin breaking up across extreme southwestern Ontario. Folks down here—including Leamington and just south of Chatham—may wind up with a fine view anyway.

    While Toronto proper may have clouds obscure the 99+ percent coverage of the afternoon sun, locations expecting totality around Hamilton and Niagara may start seeing peeks of clearing through the clouds. Here’s hoping for the perfect timing for the tremendous number of folks camping out across the region for totality.

    Southwest Ontario Eclipse Cloud Forecast April 7 2024
    Southwest Ontario Eclipse Cloud Forecast April 7 2024

    Eastern Ontario: Eclipse may filter through high clouds

    The moon’s shadow will sweep over Lake Ontario and cross over Cobourg, Belleville, Kingston, Brockville, and eventually Cornwall.

    High clouds streaming over the region from that pesky low-pressure system in the northern U.S. will allow filtered sunshine to bathe the region on Monday afternoon. There’s also a chance we’ll see breaks emerge around totality.

    This deck of cirrus clouds won’t make for ideal viewing during the eclipse, but it’s not a complete deal breaker. While onlookers may not see a perfect disk in the sky with all the celestial trimmings, the eclipsed sun should still be visible through high-level clouds, and the moon’s shadow will have a unique appearance in the sky as it passes overhead.

    Folks who’ve seen eclipses with high clouds often say that the obstruction has a surreal, almost cinematic effect, making it look like a spaceship passing overhead.

    Quebec: Clean and clear, especially in the east

    Some of the best views of the eclipse in all of North America will unfold in the skies over southern Quebec on Monday, making this one of our go-to spots in Canada.

    A ridge of high pressure over the region should hold off the advancing clouds long enough to provide just about everyone in the path of totality a crisp view of the event.

    Skywatchers in downtown Montreal, Sherbrooke, and Saint-Georges are all likely to score a memorable experience amid mostly sunny skies on Monday afternoon.

    Quebec Eclipse Cloud Forecast April 7 2024
    Quebec Eclipse Cloud Forecast April 7 2024

    New Brunswick and P.E.I.: The gold standard

    Congratulations are in order for folks looking forward to totality over the Maritimes. Clear skies will provide a crisp view of totality throughout central and northern New Brunswick, as well as the western half of Prince Edward Island.

    We’ll see totality cross the international border and arrive in Woodstock and Hartland, N.B., at 4:25 p.m. AT, lasting for a little over three minutes in each community.

    The moon’s shadow will then cross over Fredericton, Doaktown, and Miramichi, before crossing the strait to darken the skies over western P.E.I., where folks in downtown Summerside will witness about one minute of totality beginning at 4:32 p.m. AT.

    Maritimes Eclipse Cloud Forecast April 7 2024
    Maritimes Eclipse Cloud Forecast April 7 2024

    Newfoundland: Better in the west than the east

    The island falls between a centre of high pressure to the west and a stubborn low-pressure system lurking over the ocean to the east. This system to the east will bring thick low-level clouds, onshore winds, and a risk for rain or drizzle during the eclipse.

    As a result, Bonavista and Clarenville will see several minutes of daytime darkness without being able to see the eclipse itself.

    If you’re eager to view totality in all its splendor, your best bet is to head toward Port aux Basques on the southwestern coast.

    Partial eclipse graces the skies over Canada

    Folks often say that a solar eclipse is “totality or bust.” That may be the case if you’ll settle for nothing less than absolute perfection. But a partial solar eclipse is pretty cool, too. Our skies always have something to offer nature lovers of all ages.

    A partial solar eclipse is visible across all of Canada on Monday afternoon—for the lucky towns where clouds aren’t in the way.

    That lumbering low over the northern U.S. will send ample cloud cover across northern Ontario and southern Manitoba, potentially hindering the view of the partial eclipse for towns like Timmins, Thunder Bay, and Winnipeg.

    The best view of the partial eclipse is out west toward Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan. Calgary and Edmonton have an excellent opportunity to safely watch more than one-third of our sun slip behind the moon early Monday afternoon.

    Unfortunately, most folks in Vancouver and throughout southern British Columbia will miss out on the event as a dreary system pushes ashore with thick clouds and rain.

    Maximum Solar Coverage April 8 2024 Solar Eclipse
    Maximum Solar Coverage April 8 2024 Solar Eclipse
  • It's official: Niagara Falls home to new Guinness World Record as over 300 people dress as the Sun

    A Guinness World Record has officially been set in Niagara Falls, after 309 participants took part in the largest gathering of people dressed as the Sun. It beats the previous record of 287 set in China in December 2020.

    The monumental event took place on a Hornblower Niagara City Cruises boat. Participants were told to arrive in black, yellow or white pants, and then were provided the Sun costumes by the City of Niagara Falls.

    It's now surely a day to remember, as participants turn their attention toward witnessing the April 8 total solar eclipse in Niagara Falls.

  • What is the path of totality?

    The path of totality is the centre line that the moon's shadow takes across the earth, Greg Lisk of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada explains.

    Solar eclipse path in Eastern Canada. (Government of Canada)
    Solar eclipse path in Eastern Canada. (Government of Canada)

    "It is about 100 miles in diameter," Lisk says. "The size of the shadow as it rests on the earth depends on the angle that it is hitting the earth. As it moves from Mexico/Texas, it hits the earth full-on, but as it moves up through Canada, the shadow noticeably stretches over the curve of the earth."

  • Niagara Falls just moments away from being home to a new Guinness World Record

    Hundreds of participants are boarding a Hornblower Niagara City Cruises boat, looking to take part in history and break a Guinness World Record.

    With the total solar eclipse on the horizon, it's only right that the record that's set to be broken is for the largest gathering of people dressed as the Sun. At least 288 participants are needed to break a record that was set in China in December 2020.

    Results are expected to be shared at 10:30 a.m. EDT. Previously, it was reported by a Guinness World Record adjudicator that about 400 people are already registered to board the boat, where they'll receive their costumes.

  • California man travels all the way to Niagara Falls to take in the total solar eclipse

    It was expected that Canada was going to see a tourism boom thanks to the solar eclipse. Manning Aalsma from California is an example of that, after he and his family made their way to Niagara Falls, Ont. to witness the rare celestial event in person.

    Seven years ago, Aalsma's dedication took him to Oregon to view the total solar eclipse. He'll now be one of many who are setting up their equipment along Niagara Falls, while hoping for clear skies.

    "I think it'll still be pretty marvellous," said Aalsma.

  • What is a solar eclipse?

    A solar eclipse happens when, at just the right moment, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, according to NASA.

    Types of solar eclipses:

    • Partial solar eclipse

    • Annular solar eclipse

    • Total solar eclipse

    • Hybrid solar eclipse

    What makes the 2024 eclipse significant is this celestial event is a total solar eclipse, meaning that the Moon, for those in the path of totality will completely block all sunlight for several minutes.

    Many of you have been wondering, "how do we know so far in advance there is going to be an eclipse on a set day?"

    "We have known for decades there will be a solar eclipse in the region," explains Lisk. "We have calculated the moon's orbit so precisely that we know exactly at what moment the moon will block the sun's light from reaching earth," said Greg Lisk of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

  • Canadians up bright and early in Niagara Falls with a Guinness World Record on the horizon

    Niagara Falls, Ont., is set to become a place of history on April 8 with a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as the Sun.

    An official Guinness World Records adjudicator, Mike Marcotte, has made the trip to Niagara Falls to document the attempt. The previous record of 287 was set in China in December 2020.

    About 400 people are already registered to fill the Hornblower Niagara City Cruises boat, Marcotte told Yahoo Canada, where the attempt will take place. Previously, the city's mayor, Jim Diodati, said to The Canadian Press that those who will be on the boat will be provided the costumes.

    Many have made the trip to Niagara Falls to take part in the Guinness World Record, but also to simply enjoy the rare celestial event. That includes some who even slept outside to get the best viewing point.

    Talk about dedication:

  • What time and where will the 2024 solar eclipse be visible in Canada?

    In Canada, the solar eclipse's path of totality will pass through some cities and towns in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, plunging them into darkness for a few minutes.

    In the chart below, you will see listed all the major Canadian eclipse hotspots with the time of onset and duration posted beside.

    Those living outside the eclipse's path will witness a portion of the moon blocking the sun, and this can range from 10% up to 99% depending on your proximity to the path of totality.

    Below, see a chart of major Canadian cities that will witness a partial eclipse along with the percentage the moon will block the sun.

    Partial solar eclipse times
    Partial solar eclipse times
  • Beauty or a bust? Where clouds may hinder Canada’s solar eclipse

    Cloud cover looks like it will impact parts of Canada that are subject to the solar eclipse's path totality. Forecasts are subject to change, which makes it crucial to check local conditions.

    Here's the latest info from The Weather Network, as they breakdown where in Canada we could expect "beauty or a bust."

    Ontario may fight through clouds

    Monday will start with a sprawling low-pressure system over the northern half of the United States. This storm will spill mid- to high-level clouds over southern Ontario during the eclipse.

    By mid-afternoon, as we countdown the minutes to the eclipse, the atmosphere will be in the process of clearing across extreme southwestern Ontario. During that time, there are signs that peeks of sun will be emerging in Hamilton and Niagara, even, so here’s hoping for the perfect timing.

    Good news: The Port Stanley to Leamington corridor is becoming a higher-confidence sunny zone.

    We’ll continue to see clouds from the stateside low streaming into eastern Ontario, with mostly cloudy skies and occasional breaks of sunshine. It’s not an ideal location to take in the eclipse if you’re looking for an unobstructed view of totality, but it’s possible a break could emerge around the big moment.

    Cloud cover outlook for Eastern Canada. (Credit: The Weather Network)
    Cloud cover outlook for Eastern Canada. (Credit: The Weather Network)

    Quebec and New Brunswick get a front-row seat

    Some of the best odds of seeing a crisp eclipse with all the celestial trimmings will fall across eastern Quebec and New Brunswick.

    A ridge of high pressure over the region will keep clouds to a minimum and offer mostly sunny skies on the day of the eclipse, keeping that region as our go-to spot anywhere in North America.

    Sherbrooke, Saint-Georges, Hartland, and Fredericton look to be in fine shape for Monday.

    The province is rewarded with the best viewing in all of Canada. Clear skies and simple sunshine are forecast across the path of totality.

    (Credit: The Weather Network)
    (Credit: The Weather Network)

    Newfoundland’s odds seem to be improving a bit

    Trends in recent computer guidance have shown more favourable odds for good viewing conditions across portions of Newfoundland. A trickier setup is in the cards here as the island falls between a slow-moving low-pressure system to the northeast of the island and a ridge of high pressure to the west.

    This slow-moving system could bring thick low-level clouds, onshore winds, and possibly even some precipitation on the afternoon of the eclipse along Newfoundland’s eastern shores, including around Bonavista and St. John’s.

    If you’re eager to see this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, consider heading down toward Port aux Basques on the southwest coast or even a last-minute hop across the Gulf to New Brunswick.

    Western Canada stands the best chance of seeing the partial eclipse

    The low over the northern U.S. will make for poor viewing across a wide swath of northwestern Ontario and southern Manitoba.

    Alberta will score the most optimal view of the partial eclipse with nothing but sunshine in your forecast for the event.

    Unfortunately, most folks in B.C. will miss out as onshore flow and showers rain on your view of the partial eclipse. You can follow the action on Monday with our livestream across all of The Weather Network’s platforms.

    (Credit: The Weather Network)
    (Credit: The Weather Network)
  • Solar eclipse 2024: Snapshots of previous solar eclipses from Canada and beyond

    North Americans are in for a celestial treat on April 8 as a total solar eclipse will plunge a swath of the continent into minutes of darkness for millions of people from the southern reaches of Mexico to the north eastern borders of Canada.

    We have assembled for some of the most iconic eclipse images captured over the years.

    An annular solar eclipse rises over the skyline of Toronto on Thursday, June 10, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
    An annular solar eclipse rises over the skyline of Toronto on Thursday, June 10, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
    An annular solar eclipse rises over construction cranes and the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, June 10, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
    An annular solar eclipse rises over construction cranes and the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, June 10, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
    Early risers catch a glimpse of a  solar eclipse on the rocks at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia on Wednesday Aug. 11, 1999 using an improvised pinhole camera to safely view the phenomenon. (CP PHOTO/Andrew Vaughan)
    Early risers catch a glimpse of a solar eclipse on the rocks at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia on Wednesday Aug. 11, 1999 using an improvised pinhole camera to safely view the phenomenon. (CP PHOTO/Andrew Vaughan)
    The moon slowly moves over the sun during an eclipse in Vancouver on Monday, June 10, 2002. The eclipse is seen at 17:15 PST, left to right,  17:30, 18:01 and 18:26. The eclipse peaked at 18:01 PST, covering 30 percent of the sun. (CP PHOTO/Richard Lam)
    The moon slowly moves over the sun during an eclipse in Vancouver on Monday, June 10, 2002. The eclipse is seen at 17:15 PST, left to right, 17:30, 18:01 and 18:26. The eclipse peaked at 18:01 PST, covering 30 percent of the sun. (CP PHOTO/Richard Lam)
    Hundreds of people gathered at Mount Tolmie to take in the partial solar eclipse in Victoria, B.C., on Monday, August 21, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
    Hundreds of people gathered at Mount Tolmie to take in the partial solar eclipse in Victoria, B.C., on Monday, August 21, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
    Elliot Braun aligns his toy Earth and Sun as crescent shaped beams of light from the partial eclipse shining through foliage create images of the sun on the sidewalk around him as hundreds of people gathered at Western University to view the partial solar eclipse, in London, Ont. on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley
    Elliot Braun aligns his toy Earth and Sun as crescent shaped beams of light from the partial eclipse shining through foliage create images of the sun on the sidewalk around him as hundreds of people gathered at Western University to view the partial solar eclipse, in London, Ont. on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley
    Evan Zucker, as shown in this handout image, has been on a cross-continent journey from San Diego, chasing clear skies ahead of Monday's total solar eclipse. While he'd originally planned on watching in Texas, a cloudy forecast had him and his wife Paula packing up their Kia SUV with their cameras and telescopes and starting the long drive to Sherbrooke, Que., 130 kilometres east of Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Evan Zucker
**MANDATORY CREDIT**
    The moon covers the sun during a partial solar eclipse in Ottawa on Monday, August 21, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
    The moon covers the sun during a partial solar eclipse in Ottawa on Monday, August 21, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
    December 26, 2019. The rare Annular
    December 26, 2019. The rare Annular "ring of fire" solar eclipse as seen from the Corniche road in Doha, Qatar. Annular eclipses occur when the Moon is not close enough to the Earth to completely obscure the Sun, leaving a thin ring of the solar disc visible.
    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australasia
    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australasia
    MOJOKERTO, INDONESIA - APRIL 20: Silhouette of a bird during hybrid solar eclipse in Mojokerto, East Java Province, Indonesia on April 20, 2023. (Photo by WF Sihardian/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
    MOJOKERTO, INDONESIA - APRIL 20: Silhouette of a bird during hybrid solar eclipse in Mojokerto, East Java Province, Indonesia on April 20, 2023. (Photo by WF Sihardian/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)