Solar eclipse 2024 impresses crowds in Windsor-Essex
As the total solar eclipse fell over parts of southwestern Ontario Monday, many residents watched online and in person across the region.
CTV News Windsor meteorologist Gary Archibald hosted a livestream of the event from Colchester Harbour.
IN PICTURES: Crowds watch solar eclipse in Windsor-Essex
Cars started lining up early Monday morning to travel to a good viewing area for the event, including a traffic backup heading into Point Pelee National Park. The park was at full capacity before noon.
Lineup to get into Point Pelee National Park on April 8, 2024. (Bob Bellacicco/CTV News Windsor)
The eclipse occured over a large swath of North America and during the brief period when the moon totally covers the sun, day transforms to night with a show of streamers and magnetic loops dancing around the sun.
Thousands of people gathered at Point Pelee, Leamington, Kingsville and Colchester to get a view of this once in a lifetime event.
Samara Thompson says she woke up at 4:30 this morning in Toronto and picked Essex County as her viewing point.
“Checked the weather and hopped in the car where there was the least amount of clouds. This is it and it’s beautiful. What a perfect day,” she says.
Crowds take in the solar eclipse as it moves through the path of totality in Windsor-Essex. (CTV News Windsor)
In Colchester, the sky went dark as hundreds of viewers watched with their eclipse glasses on the shoreline.
Solar eclipse at totality in Colchester, Ont., on Monday, April 8, 2024. (Taylor Choma/CTV News Windsor)
There were people barbecuing, playing at the beach, walking, biking and tailgating.
“Really exciting to be able to see the full eclipse. We were like let’s just go. Let’s go to Canada,” says Mary Jean Meyerson from Michigan.
Crowds head to the Lake Erie shoreline to view the total solar eclipse in Colchester, Ont., on Monday, April 8, 2024. (Taylor Choma/CTV News Windsor)In Windsor, the sky didn't get as dark, since it wasn't in totality.
A look at the Detroit-Windsor skyline at 3:15 p.m. during the solar eclipse in Windsor, Ont., on Monday, April 8, 2024. (Melanie Kentner/CTV News Windsor)
Many residents and visitors gathered along the riverfront.Some people remarked they thought it would get much darker than what they saw in Windsor is what’s called a deep partial eclipse. The streetlights still turned on and looking across at Detroit, the skyline was glowing with lights.
Viewing the solar eclipse from the riverfront in Windsor, Ont., on Monday, April 8, 2024. (Rich Garton/CTV News Windsor)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.