Where to join others to view 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 models show the city will experience 98 per cent darkness, resulting in a light level similar to dusk or dawn.

The eclipse will begin at 2:10 p.m. on April 8, reach maximum 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 daycares will host indoor activities. No rooftop activities by employees or residents will be permitted at any of the City’s outdoor facilities during eclipse hours. More information is available at Partial solar eclipse – April 8 | ottawa city.

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OC Transpo is expected to operate as planned and, as previously announced, area schools will be closed for the day.

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

People of Upper Canada

The Eastern Ontario Living History Museum/Village will be open on April 8, one month earlier than usual, for one day only to host a family-friendly eclipse viewing experience from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm It’s on the nearby Battle of Crysler’s Farm National Historic Site, an open area along the St. Lawrence River that commemorates one of the decisive battles of the War of 1812. Free sunglasses will be available. Before reaching totality, you can ride the town’s miniature train, eat BeaverTails, or bring your own picnic lunch. There will be portable toilets on site. Don’t forget the garden chairs. Admission is free, but you must purchase a parking pass ($10 per car or $50 per bus, plus tax) in advance at uppercanadavillage.com.

Canadian Museum of Nature

If you’re nervous about seeing the eclipse in person but want to take part in the historic event, the museum on McLeod Street in downtown Ottawa has a stress-free option. They will make a live broadcast of the passage of the moon that you can see inside the building that looks like a castle. There is also an outdoor viewing opportunity in the plaza, with free eclipse glasses to protect your eyes. Another interesting feature is the demonstration of LightSound, an accessibility device that translates a visual experience into sound. Scientific interpreters in the rotunda will experiment with LightSound’s capabilities during the eclipse.

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Carleton University

teachers in the The Faculty of Science and Department of Physics will put an educational spin on celestial celebrations, including a series of pre-eclipse public talks on April 7 about 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 discuss 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 the opportunity to look through a solar telescope to get an up-close perspective (weather permitting, they note). Free eclipse glasses will be available upon registration.

Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

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

Osgoode Legion

The Osgoode Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will host a family eclipse party starting at 2 pm on April 8. The legion is located at 3284 Sunstrum St., in Osgoode, a town on Ottawa’s rural south end, and will be offering a barbecue special ($6 for a hot dog or sausage with sides) and 100 free pairs of eclipse glasses.

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