New Brunswick’s Solar Eclipse 2024
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse is uncommon for this part of the world and will be a once-in-a-lifetime event for some. The moon will pass in front of the sun, covering 100% of the sun, creating a few rare minutes of darkness in the middle of the day. While the entire eclipse will last over 2 hours, there is an average of 3 minutes of total darkness.
Photo Credit: Brad Perry
Where in New Brunswick can I see the Eclipse?
Fredericton, Woodstock, Florenceville-Bristol, and Miramichi will experience 100% totality, meaning the moon will cover 100% of the sun. The rest of the province will also experience the eclipse, but the sun won’t be completely blocked. To experience the fullest effect of the eclipse, travel to the totality regions to get the experience of a lifetime.
When is the Eclipse for me?
On Monday, April 8th, 2024, the total eclipse will quickly make its way across the province for the first time since 1972, 52 years ago! Here are the times in New Brunswick
• Florenceville-Bristol: 4:32 pm - 4:35 pm
• Fredericton: 4:33 pm - 4:36 pm
• Miramichi: 4:34 pm - 4:37 pm
If you want to find out when the eclipse is happening in your New Brunswick town, here is a spreadsheet of the locations and phase times by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, New Brunswick Centre:
RASC NB Inc. Solar Eclipse 2024 Locations & Phase Times
Protect your Eyes!
NEVER look directly at the sun without some form of eye protection. Even during an eclipse, the crescent of the sun can cause retinal injury because it is still visible. Sunglasses are not an acceptable substitute. You can only remove your protective eye gear if you are on the path for totality and only when totality occurs, meaning the moon completely blocks the sun.
Many places around the province offer FREE eye protection so that you can enjoy the eclipse without worrying about damaging your eyes.
Events & Festivals
EclipseFest Fredericton
April 6-8, 2024 - Fredericton
From exhibits, special programming and presentations to theatre productions and downtown festivities, Fredericton is pulling out all the stops to make this eclipse one you will never forget.
Solar Eclipse 2024 featuring Colonel Chris Hadfield
April 8th, 2024, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Northern Carleton Civic Centre, 40 McCain Street, Florenceville-Bristol
Legendary Canadian astronaut, writer, pilot, and musician don’t even begin to describe this speaker coming to town. Get your tickets now to enjoy a night with Chris Hadfield, who will be discussing the eclipse and his time in OUTER SPACE.
April 3-8, 2024 - Miramichi
This week-long festival brings the entire city together to celebrate the eclipse and create an unforgettable experience for visitors. With dozens of events, including an entire music festival, art installations, and workshops, you will not be disappointed if you spend your eclipse in Miramichi.
Balloon Project Viewing
April 8, 2024, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm - Woodstock, Florenceville-Bristol, Hartland, Perth-Andover, Plaster Rock
A solar balloon will launch and relay live images of the eclipse back to Earth at 5 locations in Western New Brunswick. A narrator will be at each location to give context, and 6 cameras will provide footage of the earth, sun, and the horizon from way up above.
April 5-8, 2024 - Plaster Rock
This 4-day festival in the District of Tobique Valley has many activities planned by the entire community. Great events are planned for the kids, and the entire family would enjoy a chance to view the Balloon project.
April 7-9, 2024 - Doaktown
Cliff Valley Astronomy has partnered with many local accommodation businesses to gather astronomers, astrophotographers, photographers and astrology nerds to enjoy the eclipse in the countryside where no city lights or buildings will interfere with viewing this rare event.
Enjoy the Eclipse in New Brunswick
Mark your calendars and book your trip soon to guarantee the best seat in the country for this eclipse.