Watching the solar eclipse in Waterloo Region and Guelph
All eyes were on the skies for Monday’s solar eclipse.
The best views of the celestial show were along the path of totality – in cities like Hamilton and Fort Erie - and more than million people gathered to watch the eclipse in Niagara Falls.
In Waterloo Region, some sat back and gazed at the moon’s transition across the sun's path at McLennan Park in Kitchener.
WATCH: Check our time-lapse of the solar eclipse from Kitchener
A different kind of viewing event was held in Cambridge. Idea Exchange hosted a party for kids who were off school for the solar eclipse.
“Dragged them away from the computer, shut down the WIFI, and get them out there and see a few things that are real,” one grandfather told CTV News.
The kids were also excited to experience this momentous occasion.
“It would be the only time I really get to experience a full total solar eclipse and so yeah, I think that’s pretty cool,” said one young enthusiast.
Kids also learned more about our solar system.
“A solar eclipse means, when the moon blocks the sun’s light from reaching Earth,” said one.
“The moon looks bigger than the sun because the moon’s close to us,” explained another.
“It looks like somebody took a bite out of it because it’s like a quarter there.”
The solar eclipse viewing party at Idea Exchange in Cambridge on April 8, 2024.
For many people a total solar eclipse is a once in a lifetime experience, but one man in Cambridge has been lucky enough to see two.
Imrul Chowdhury saw his first almost 40 years ago in Bangladesh.
“Back in those days we all used to gather on the rooftop and we didn’t have those glasses,” he explained. “What we did – it’s so exciting – we used x-ray film in front of our eyes and that’s how we managed it.”
Imrul Chowdhury, his wife and daughter at Idea Exchange in Cambridge for the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse.
Chowdhury said his daughter is about the same age he was when he saw his first eclipse.
“It’s amazing and I can’t put it into words. My daughter has special needs and she’s just very excited here.”
Viewing party in Guelph
Hundreds of people also gathered at the University of Guelph Observatory to watch the solar eclipse.
“I’m just thrilled that people can bond together as a group over something as exciting as science,” said Orbax, U of G’s science communicator.
Long lineup of people hoping to get solar eclipse glasses at the University of Guelph on April 8, 2024. (Krista Simpson/CTV Kitchener)
The afternoon started off cloudy but cleared just before the light began to dim, prompting cheers from those gathered at Johnston Green.
The pivotal moment came at 3:18 p.m. – when 99.1 per cent of the sun was covered and only a sliver of the sun remained.
PHOTO GALLERY: See photos taken in southern Ontario during Monday's solar eclipse
“It was getting cold out and it was getting dark, but you could still see light, so it was weird,” said Barbara Merrill, a University of Guelph employee.
Solar eclipse viewing party at the University of Guelph on April 8, 2024.
Many of the people who gathered on campus said getting to experience it as a group made the once-in-a-lifetime event even more special.
"Honestly it was magical. It was so, so wonderful… You know it’s the end of the semester, it’s the end of winter, it just felt so great to be out in the sunshine and enjoying just the spectacle of nature," said Joanne O’Meara, a physics professor at U of G.
Watching the solar eclipse on the University of Guelph campus on April 8, 2024.
O'Meara hopes the solar eclipse will spark curiosity in those who watch this celestial wonder.
"We’re on a rock that’s orbiting around a star and we have a moon that’s orbiting around us," said O'Meara. "And it’s the combination of these three celestial objects coming into align that gives us this moment to kind of just stop and think about how incredible that is."
People pose for pictures on the University of Guelph campus after the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from southern Ontario will happen in 2144.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.