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
MPs targeted by Chinese hackers question why Canada didn't tell them
Members of Parliament are questioning why Canadian security officials did not inform them that they had been the target of Beijing-linked hackers, after learning from the FBI that the international parliamentary alliance they are a part of was in the crosshairs of the Chinese cyberattack in 2021.
BREAKING International students will be allowed to work 24 hours a week starting in September
Immigration Minister Marc Miller says international students will be able to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week starting in September.
Norovirus spreading at 'higher frequency' than expected in Canada
Norovirus is spreading at a 'higher frequency' than expected in Canada, specifically, in Ontario and Alberta, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
French actor Gerard Depardieu released after questioning over alleged sexual assaults
French actor Gerard Depardieu was questioned by police on Monday in connection with alleged sexual assaults against two women on separate film sets, police sources said, and was released without charge.
In a world first, king-size cigarettes in Canada must feature one of these warnings starting Tuesday
Tobacco manufacturers have until Tuesday to ensure every king-size cigarette produced for sale in Canada has a health warning printed directly on it.
WATCH So you haven't filed your taxes yet…
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2024 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.
Anne Hathaway reveals she's now five years sober
Anne Hathaway first shared she lost interest in drinking after a bad hangover in 2018. She’s now five years sober.
Majority of aspiring homeowners awaiting rate cuts before buying: BMO survey
The majority of Canadians aspiring to buy a home say they will push their plans to next year or later to wait for interest rates to drop, a new survey shows.