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There could be a cloud or two, but Monday afternoon’s solar eclipse promises to be a spellbinding show in Eastern Ontario.
A warm front from the United States midwest is moving east lightly faster than originally expected, but it shouldn’t get in the way of a decent view of the spectacle, where the moon crosses in front of the sun.
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While Ottawa lies just north of the path of totality — at the peak moment, the moon will cover 98.9 per cent of the sun — the effect will be complete in Brockville, Cornwall and further east towards Montreal.
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The chance to see the show means countless citizens will head south towards the St. Lawrence River to find prime viewing spots.
“Don’t be discouraged, especially for those who have made plans to travel,” Environment Canada meteorologist Sean Akiyama said Sunday afternoon. “It will be a spectacular event.”
With many eyes peeled on hour by hour or even minute by minute updates of Monday afternoon’s forecast, there have been concerns about thick cloud cover entering the picture.
On Saturday, the forecast called for thick mid-clouds to be atop Kingston and further west towards Oakville.
The Sunday update stated that the clouds are moving a little quicker than expected, meaning the potential for a mix of high clouds and mid-clouds in the Ottawa area.
“Generally speaking, Ottawa, Brockville, Cornwall will see a little bit of cloud,” said Akiyama. “Further east towards Quebec, it should be a little clearer. It will be a once in a lifetime event. Enjoy.”
In Ottawa, the eclipse will begin at 2:11, when the moon makes its first appearance in front of the sun. It will progress from there to the peak moment at 3:25. The progression will continue from there as the sun begins to re-appear, piece by piece, until being fully seen again at 4:35.
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