In one year, southern Quebec will witness a total eclipse of the Sun

In one year, a rare total eclipse of the Sun will occur in the afternoon and will be visible from southern Quebec. This spectacular astronomical phenomenon happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, completely hiding it for a short time.

The April 8, 2024 eclipse will be the astronomical event of the century in Quebec; the last time a total eclipse was observed in Montreal was in 1932, and in Quebec City, 1379. And the next is anticipated in about 80 years, in 2106.

The total solar eclipse of 2024 will not be visible from everywhere: residents of several cities, including Quebec City, Laval and Trois-Rivières, will see a partial eclipse instead, or will have to travel south to experience it in full.

But for millions of Quebecers, the eclipse will be total: the Sun will be completely hidden for anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, with only its corona peeking through. For that short time, the sky will become darker and the outdoor temperature will drop, affecting animals and humans alike.

At Université de Montréal, a number of astrophysicists are available for interviews, shedding their light on a phenomenal subject.

They are:

Nathalie Ouellette, Deputy Director, Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets
Languages spoken: French, English
To contact her: nathalie.ouellette.2(at)umontreal.ca

Marie-Ève Naud, Education and Public Outreach Coordinator, Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets
Languages spoken: French, English
To contact her: marie-eve.naud(at)umontreal.ca

Frédérique Baron, Instrumentation Project Manager, Mont-Mégantic ObservatorySpo
ken languages: French, English
To contact her: frederique.baron(at)umontreal.ca

Heidi White, Outreach Officer, Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets
Language spoken: English
To reach her: heidi.white(at)umontreal.ca