A total solar eclipse will occur in the sky over part of Quebec on Monday, April 8, 2024. In Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville total darkness will last 1 minute 47 seconds, in Chambly 2 minutes 21 seconds.
Where will you be on April 8th? As of this writing, the total solar eclipse will occur in two months.
Around 3:30 p.m. on April 8, the Moon will reach perfect alignment between the Earth and the Sun. In particular, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Saint-Basile-le-Grand and Sainte-Julie are plunged into darkness for a short time.
Rare phenomenon
The Canadian Space Agency describes a “spectacular and rare” phenomenon. As proof of this, the last total solar eclipse in Quebec was more than 50 years ago, in 1972. The next one will occur in more than 80 years, in 2106.
For Jean-François Larouche, a solar eclipse chaser, a total solar eclipse is the most beautiful thing life has given him to see. “It's fantastic! The first time I shed a tear, and it's not because I do astronomy. It's nature expressing itself,” he explains in an interview.
For his part, Robert St-Jean believes that you should see a total solar eclipse at least once. “It is an extraordinary natural phenomenon! That's nice to see. When total darkness comes… I talk about it and still get goosebumps! Emotions take over. »
Both agree that this is a very rare event. Therefore, it matters when it happens.
Eclipse tracker
Robert St-Jean and Jean-François Larouche are solar eclipse chasers. Together, the two Montarville residents attended the 2017 event in Idaho, United States. “It was my first trip as a solar eclipse chaser. The scope of the event is much larger than I thought. It attracts a lot of people. There are traffic jams on the highways. It is a phenomenon that generates great interest,” says Mr. Larouche.
Robert St-Jean, for his part, remembers the atmosphere that prevailed south of the border during the total solar eclipse. “Curiosity wins and forces the audience to watch. People react violently. Some start screaming. It's very impressive. Having one here in the region without having to travel is a must! »
Black as the night
A solar eclipse occurs during the day when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. Its shadow is then deposited on the surface of our planet. The entire path of the April 8 solar eclipse traverses North America, from Mexico to Canada. About fifteen American states and six Canadian provinces will be affected by the phenomenon.
Places that lie in the corridor of totality are then plunged into darkness. “It’s a lot darker. Drivers turn on the headlights of their vehicles. When the sky is clear, we will see its stars,” explains Mr. St-Jean. Then Mr. Larouche added. “Suddenly it’s dark. There are stars, the birds are silent. It's really night! »
Enjoy the moment
When the moment comes, on the afternoon of April 8th, the moon will hide the sun. Total darkness lasts a few minutes or less, depending on your location. According to Jean-François Larouche, the star of the show will be the crown that appears in the sky around the black hole. For Robert St-Jean, however, the protuberances, ejections of solar matter, visible around the golden circle do not leave one indifferent. “You have to live in the moment and make the most of it. Now is not the time to play around with the camera, advises Mr. St-Jean. Because it won't be long anymore. » Enjoy the moment. This is also his friend's advice.
Note that Robert St-Jean will give a lecture on this topic on February 29th at the Georges Brossard Library in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.
Jean-François Larouche and Robert Saint-Jean prepare for the solar eclipse on April 8th. (Photo: Archive) (Photo: Archive)
