Cheers broke out at 3:19 p.m. Monday outside the Rogers Centre in Toronto as a partial solar eclipse brought the city to dusk, with the moon blocking over 90 per cent of the sun.
Large crowds gathered downtown donning eclipse safety glasses as they gazed up at the cloudy skies for the once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.
After the partial eclipse reached its peak and the city started to brighten again, many remained outside to catch a glimpse of the sun through the clouds.
Earlier on Monday, Brian Osiah, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, warned there could be “bad news” in store for the GTA and even Niagara Region, which lies within the path of the totality.
“Unfortunately, it does look like it will be mainly cloudy,” Osiah told CBC Toronto early this morning. He added that weather maps suggest that areas south and west of London, Ont., could be the best places to get a better glimpse of the eclipse.
Forecast aside, here’s what you need to know to safely make the most of the near-total eclipse in the city.
Safety practices
Though the moon didn’t totally cover the sun over Toronto, a partial eclipse means you should see parts of the sun covered throughout the afternoon.
Just as looking at the sun with the naked eye can cause eye damage, experts say looking at the eclipse without approved eye protection can cause serious harm.
Children are at higher risk of eye damage if they look at the eclipse without proper eye protection, according to the City of Toronto.
Solar eclipse glasses that are ISO certified meet international standards for protective eyewear. If you purchased glasses online, be sure to look for the ‘ISO’ marker, or ‘CE,’ which indicates the eyewear meets European standards.
Before using your eclipse glasses, the city advises you “check them for any “damage, wrinkles, punctures or scratches.”
If you haven’t snagged a pair of protective eyewear yet, you might have a shot going to your local Warby Parker, as the glasses store is handing out a limited quantity of free glasses.
Those spending the day at the Toronto Zoo will also get a free pair with their ticket, while supplies last.
You can also try your hand at making your own eclipse viewing tools by making a pinhole projector.
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Victor Abraham demonstrates how to make a pinhole projector — one way to safely watch the eclipse on April 8. He says to use a long box for the best projection.
Pet owners are urged to keep their animals at home for the duration of the eclipse, the Toronto Humane Society says, as large crowds, travel and loud noises may not be ideal for your furry friends.
Owners are advised to distract their pets from the unusual event outside and not encourage them to look at the sky, said Karen Ward, chief veterinary officer at Toronto Humane Society.
Programming and viewing sites
Toronto Public Library locations are hosting various educational programs for kids who will be at home thanks to the PA day on Monday.
Available activities include solar eclipse trivia, pinhole projector tutorials and an educational space workshop hosted online. A full list of programming is available on the library web page.
Though several eclipse viewing parties are already full, the Forest Hill library branch is hosting a drop-in solar eclipse viewing with no registration required. Free protective glasses will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
Total solar eclipses hold special meaning for one Toronto couple. Judi Jewinski celebrated her birthday in Paris during the Aug. 11, 1999, total solar eclipse. Her husband Ed Jewinski will celebrate his birthday during the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. The couple spoke to CBC’s Patrick Swadden about the special event they share.
The Dawes Road branch in East York is also hosting a drop-in eclipse viewing with a limited supply of glasses available — but keep in mind that it’s an adults only event. In North York, Downsview Park will be handing out 60 free glasses starting at 1:30 p.m.
If you’re feeling lucky, you can try joining a wait list for a viewing event this afternoon, such as ‘Solar Eclipse of the Heart’ at Barbara Hall Park in the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood.
At the Toronto Zoo, visitors are invited to record observations of animal behaviour for the duration of the eclipse using an online form. Visitors are invited to come back Tuesday to compare their insights.
A solar eclipse can seriously damage your eyes. Using eclipse glasses is just one safety tip for viewing the total eclipse.
The eclipse has generated widespread interest in animal monitoring, said Toronto Zoo CEO Dolf DeJong on Monday.
Visitors were invited to make observations on Sunday as well to create a baseline of typical animal behaviour, according to the zoo’s website.
Collected data will be integrated into a report, DeJong said, noting that other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are also monitoring animals
“We’ll be able to collaborate [and] work together,” he said. “It’s the scientific process in action.”
Travel plans
The TTC is operating normally on Monday, though travellers are warned to be mindful of changing light conditions between approximately 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., particularly during the eclipse peak around 3:19 p.m.
You can anticipate traffic delays on the roads as thousands are expected to make their way around and outside the city to catch a glimpse of the natural phenomenon.
And if you’d rather enjoy the eclipse indoors, the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto will be hosting a livestream from 2 p.m. featuring expert scientific insights, along with views of the eclipse from Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.