Hundreds of people gathered on Toronto's Eastern Beaches to watch a rare sunrise eclipse. Some used homemade viewers, while others brought high-tech cameras and telescopes. The event took place on June 10, 2021, just a day before Ontario entered Stage One of its COVID-19 reopening. The eclipse made for a breathtaking sight as the moon briefly overshadowed the rising sun. Getty Images
Eastern Canada will witness a stunning partial solar eclipse on Saturday morning. To catch the event, skywatchers will need to be up early and in the right spot, as the eclipse will begin just before sunrise.
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth. During a partial eclipse, the moon only covers part of the sun. This creates a dramatic view where the sun appears as a crescent. In some cases, like an annular eclipse, the moon sits in the middle of the sun, creating a bright "ring of fire" effect.
Elaina Hyde, an astronomy professor at York University, says timing and location are key. "You have to be in the right place at the right time with the right equipment," she explains.
The best views will be in northern Quebec and Atlantic Canada. In Iqaluit, the sun will be 92% covered, while in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, about 89% will be obscured. In Sept-Îles, Quebec, viewers will see 89% coverage. Those in Corner Brook, Summerside, Saint John, and Halifax will witness over 80% coverage. However, in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec, the coverage will range from just 8% to 45%. Unfortunately, the eclipse won’t be visible in Toronto.
The eclipse will last for several hours. For instance, in Corner Brook, it will start at 7:05 a.m. with the sun already partially hidden. The eclipse will peak at 7:54 a.m. before gradually fading, ending at 8:52 a.m.
How to Watch the Eclipse Safely
Experts strongly warn against looking at the sun without protection, even during a partial eclipse. Direct viewing could cause permanent eye damage.
"Please, safety first," Hyde stresses. "Use solar viewing glasses, a pinhole projector, or even a pasta strainer to safely watch the eclipse."
To use a pasta strainer, simply hold it up so the sun shines through the holes, creating crescent-shaped shadows on the ground. This is a safe and easy way to enjoy the event without risking eye injury.
If you plan to reuse eclipse glasses from a previous event, check for scratches. Even a tiny scratch could let sunlight through and harm your eyes.
For those outside the viewing area, several organizations will stream the event live online. The Royal Observatory Greenwich and other platforms will offer real-time coverage.
While this may not be a total solar eclipse, it will still be a remarkable sight. "We don’t get these chances every day," Hyde says. "So, if you can view it, it’s worth the effort."
