2023-04-19 20:00:48
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur over the Thetford region. For about two minutes, the population will be able to observe the Moon cover it entirely and see the daylight darken. This event occurred in the region 60 years ago, in 1963, but will not repeat itself until 2205.
Julie Bolduc-Duval, astronomer and science communicator, wishes to inform the local population of this very rare event. “A solar eclipse that passes over us is about once in a lifetime. Those who saw it in 1963 and are still around today will be very lucky since it won’t happen again for almost 180 years. I’ve been working on this for two years now. People tell themselves that April 2024 is still a long way off, but there is the security issue that we must think about. To watch an eclipse, you need glasses specially designed for it and we risk having a shortage. »
The resident of Thetford Mines has been working in astronomy education for twenty years. She collaborates with astrophysicists across Canada and is the director of the “Discovering the Universe” program. This one, offered in French and English, helps primary and secondary teachers with educational content related to astronomy. She is also part of the Eclipse Quebec group.
“My job is to inform schools, but I also give myself a civic duty to do so in my community. I want people here to be ready. During the last big eclipse in North America in 2017, there were a lot of fake glasses offered at the last minute on Amazon. The information said it was certified, but it was counterfeit. Currently, there are no local points of sale, so we are working with the group to ensure that there are. »
Wearing glasses will be important in order to be able to watch the eclipse since, as at all times, contemplating the Sun is dangerous for the human eye. Specialized glasses block 99.9% light and make observation safe. According to Ms. Bolduc-Duval, alternative methods are not recommended. For taking photos with a cell phone, she advises putting the glasses in front of the lens so that the image is better. As for more sophisticated cameras and video cameras, opaque filters exist for this type of shot. Note that the Center de services scolaire des Appalaches has planned the coup and will have glasses for all students.
Julie Bolduc-Duval also anticipates that the event will attract many curious people since many places in the province will not have the chance to watch a total eclipse. “In Sherbrooke and Saint-Georges, they will see it, but in Quebec it will not be complete. For example, in 2017, a city of 30,000 people in the United States saw its population double that day. It had happened in the middle of summer, so maybe people had more time to move around. With us, it will be a Monday in April, but in the weeks before, the craze will be felt and it will be everywhere in the media. On the tourist side, this could be a great asset for Thetford. »
The astronomer and science communicator says she herself is delighted to experience this event at home. “We think it’s only the astronomy enthusiasts who are excited, but that’s not the case at all. Wherever it happens, the craze is there. When you see the Sun disappear, you understand why in the past, certain societies panicked during an eclipse. It brings many emotions to life because it’s really impressive as a phenomenon. »
Of course, if the sky is cloudy on that day, the experience will not be the same, but people will still be able to observe the daylight darkening. Julie Bolduc-Duval hopes that the good weather will be present in order to fully experience the event.
To visit the Discovering the Universe website: https://www.decouvertedelunivers.ca/eclipse
For more details on the upcoming solar eclipse: https://www.eclipsequebec.ca/
Here is a video of people’s reaction to a solar eclipse that took place in the United States in 2017:
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