Where to join others to see the April 8 solar eclipse in Ottawa

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Ottawa is not in the path of total darkness for next month’s solar eclipse, but the models show that the city will experience 98 per cent totality, resulting in a level of light similar to dusk or dawn.

The eclipse will start at 2:10 p.m. on April 8, hit peak coverage at 3:25 p.m. and conclude at 4:35 p.m.

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This brief reduction in daylight is not enough to affect most city services, with a couple of exceptions: non-urgent outdoor work will be rescheduled; and city-run day camps and daycare centres will hold activities indoors. Rooftop activities by employees or residents will not be permitted at any of the city’s outdoor facilities during eclipse hours. More information is available at Partial Solar Eclipse – April 8 | City of Ottawa.

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OC Transpo is expected to run on schedule, and, as previously announced, area schools will be closed for the day.

Here are five places for families to go to watch the moon pass between the sun and Earth on April 8.

Upper Canada Village

The living-history museum/village of Eastern Ontario will be open April 8, a month earlier than usual, for one day only to host a family-friendly eclipse-viewing experience from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It’s at the nearby Battle of Crysler’s Farm National Historic Site, an open area next to the St. Lawrence River commemorating one of the decisive battles of the War of 1812. Free solar-viewing glasses will be available. Leading up to totality, you can ride the village’s miniature train, munch on BeaverTails or bring your own picnic lunches. Portable washrooms will be on site. Don’t forget lawn chairs. Admission is free, but you must purchase a parking pass ($10 per car or $50 for a bus, plus tax) in advance at uppercanadavillage.com.

Canadian Museum of Nature

If you’re nervous about in-person viewing of the eclipse, but want to take part in the historic event, the museum on McLeod Street in downtown Ottawa has a no-stress option. They’ll be running a livestream of the moon’s passing that you can watch inside the castle-like building. There’s also an outdoor viewing opportunity on the plaza, with free eclipse glasses to protect your eyes. Another cool feature is the demonstration of LightSound, an accessibility device that translates a visual experience into sound. Science interpreters in the rotunda will be experimenting with LightSound’s capabilities during the eclipse.

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Carleton University

Professors in the Faculty of Science and Department of Physics will put an educational twist on celestial celebrations, including a series of pre-eclipse public talks on April 7 on the cosmos, solar systems, the Sun, the Big Bang and more. Speakers include geology professor Hanika Rizo, theoretical physics professor Yue Zang, English professor Nadia Bozak and Indigenous elder Barry Sarazin, who will speak to the Indigenous significance of major astronomical events. Register at https://science.carleton.ca/cu-events/solar-eclipse-event/. The public is also invited to view the eclipse at the university on April 8, including a chance to peek through a solar telescope for a close-up perspective (weather permitting, they note). Free eclipse glasses will be available with registration. 

Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

This museum, located on the site of a former military air base, is highlighting best practices for watching the eclipse without damaging your eyesight. They recommend using any of three methods: eclipse-viewing glasses; a camera or telescope with an appropriate filter; or a pinhole projector. As part of the programming on April 8, you can make your own pinhole projector, a simple contraption that lets you safely view an image of the sun. You can also watch a livestream in the museum’s theatre. Although the day’s full program is not yet available, book admission tickets as soon as possible.

Osgoode Legion

The Osgoode branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will host a family eclipse party starting at 2 p.m. on April 8. The legion is located at 3284 Sunstrum St., in Osgoode, a village in Ottawa’s rural south end, and will offer a barbecue special ($6 for a hotdog or sausage with sides) and 100 pairs of free eclipse glasses.

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