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Experts: Total Solar Eclipse | April 8, 2024听

Published: 18 March 2024

On鈥疉pril 8, 2024, a spectacular and rare celestial event is set to unfold over Canada, the United States and Mexico鈥 a total鈥痵olar eclipse. As the鈥疢oon鈥痑ligns perfectly between鈥疎arth鈥痑nd the鈥疭un, temporary darkness will sweep across parts of the country, captivating countless spectators. Quebec hasn't witnessed a total solar eclipse in over 50鈥痽ears, and it will be over 80鈥痽ears before the next one. ()听

To celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event, the Trottier Space Institute and 海角社区鈥檚 Department of Physics will host an 听Special observation events will also be held at the Macdonald Campus 补苍诲听听

Here are some experts from 海角社区 who can provide comment on this topic:听

Nicolas Cowan, Associate Professor, Departments of Physics and Earth & Planetary Sciences听

鈥淪eeing a total solar eclipse with your own eyes is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; don鈥檛 miss it! In addition to being deeply beautiful, these rare astronomical treats have also provided important scientific insights, including the nature of space- time and the climates of exoplanets.鈥澨

Nicolas Cowan is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Physics and Earth & Planetary Sciences, and the Canada Research Chair in Planetary Climate.鈥疕e studies the atmospheres and surfaces of exoplanets using telescopes on mountaintops and in space.听

nicolas.cowan [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)听

, Associate Professor, Department of Physics听听

鈥淭he solar eclipse on April 8, when the Moon blocks the light of the Sun, is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness (with protective glasses!) an astronomical event in real-time. The fact that we can predict such an event ahead of time with incredible accuracy is a reminder of how far we have come in our understanding of the universe. It is also a chance to experience a unique moment of natural wonder with a community of enthusiastic observers in Montreal.鈥澨

Tracy Webb is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and the Trottier Space Institute. She specializes in multi-wavelength observational studies of galaxy formation and evolution.鈥

tracy.webb [at] mcgill.ca (English)听

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