Explore Solar Eclipse Science

A total solar eclipse is seen on Monday, August 21, 2017 above Madras, Oregon.

Prepare for the astronomical event of a lifetime!

On April 8, 2024, parts of North America will experience a solar eclipse. In Toronto, this exciting event will be visible as a partial eclipse. At the eclipse’s peak, over 99% of the Sun’s light will be obscured.

In many other North American cities, including Kingston and Hamilton, Ontario, a total eclipse will be visible for several minutes.

The next total eclipse visible in Ontario will happen in 2099!

Map showing the path of totality of the solar eclipse in Canada on April 8, 2024, showing some cities where the totality will occur. Highlighted Canadian cities within the path of totality include Montreal, Cornwall, Kingston, Hamilton, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. Toronto (including the Ontario Science Centre) lies just outside the path of totality.

Eclipse Resources

Time lapse of the total solar eclipse of November 14, 2012, as seen from the South Pacific near New Caledonia. This sequence of phases runs from lower right to upper left.
What Is a Solar Eclipse?

Learn how total solar eclipses occur and why your position on Earth affects what you see during an eclipse.

What Is a Solar Eclipse?
A group of middle school students look at the sky wearing eclipse glasses.
Eclipse Eye Safety

Learn how you can protect your eyes to safely view a solar eclipse.

Eclipse Eye Safety
A solar eclipse showing the Baily's Beads phenomenon.
Additional Eclipse Resources

Explore more solar eclipse science with videos and hands-on activities you can try at home.

Additional Eclipse Resources
Screenshot from the Solar Eclipse Simulator showing the view from Earth when the Moon is in exact alignment between the Sun and Earth and a total solar eclipse is visible. The Moon appears to be the same size as the Sun and completely blocks it from view.
Solar Eclipse Simulator

Use our Solar Eclipse Simulator to examine the unique geometry that makes total solar eclipses possible!

Solar Eclipse Simulator

Top image photo credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani