Introducing our newest feature where we’ll explore some fun facts, usually relating to a timely news event. Naturally with Monday’s total solar eclipse fast approaching, here’s some interesting tidbits about the out-of-this-world event.
- A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the sun, temporarily casting darkness in the middle of the afternoon akin to that of dawn or dusk.
- The last total solar eclipse visible from Canada occured on Feb. 26, 1979 and was witnessed from parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.
- Niagara Falls has been determined as the best spot in Canada to view Monday’s eclipse, with over three minutes of total eclipse. In anticipation of a great number of visitors flocking to the already popular tourist hot spot, the city declared a state of emergency to deal with the expected influx.
- Fortunately those in Lennox and Addington County don’t have to go quite that far to get a prime view of the eclipse as Greater Napanee, Loyalist and much of Stone Mills will be in the path of totality, which is expected to occur around 3:20 p.m.
- Regina, SK hasn’t seen a total solar eclipse since way back in the Year 54 and won’t see another until Oct. 17, 2153.