Solar eclipse grabs attention of politicians who’ll stop meeting to watch the skies above Mississauga

Published April 3, 2024 at 5:17 pm

Mississauga councillors aren’t about to let a planning and development meeting stop them from witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.

In advance of next Monday afternoon’s solar eclipse, which many have been anticipating for years, city councillors decided earlier today they’ll take a break during their planning and development committee meeting on the afternoon of April 8 to go outside and safely catch a glimpse as the sun briefly disappears behind the moon to leave Mississauga in near total darkness.

The solar eclipse, which happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, is expected to begin just after 2 p.m. and last until about 4:40 p.m. in Ontario. Peak of the eclipse will occur at 3:19 p.m. and last for three to four minutes.

The City of Mississauga’s planning and development committee meeting gets underway at 1:30 p.m. on Monday and those who’ve attended over the years know those gatherings can last many hours.

So, several councillors spoke up at today’s city council meeting to request members be excused from their April 8 meeting long enough to experience the eclipse.

Acting mayor Matt Mahoney and other councillors had no objections.

Videos

Learn more

Meanwhile, city officials are reminding people who similarly want to enjoy the big celestial event to do so safely.

“On April 8, a near total solar eclipse will occur across southern Ontario, with Mississauga experiencing an extended period of darkness from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Remember to prioritize safety and protect your eyesight if viewing the eclipse,” they said in a news release.

“While Mississauga won’t witness a total solar eclipse, it will be in the path to see almost all of it, causing darkness for an extended period.”

City officials emphasize safety and protecting your eyesight during the eclipse.

“In light of the upcoming solar eclipse, some school boards have declared a PA Day to ensure students are not outdoors during the eclipse,” the city said. “Viewing a solar eclipse without appropriate eye protection can result in partial or complete loss of vision. So, to the leadup to the eclipse, it’s a great opportunity to educate yourself on ways to safely experience this rare event with family and friends.”

For more safety tips and other information about the solar eclipse as it relates to Mississauga, including where and how to best watch it, search “City of Mississauga solar eclipse” online.

Mississauga officials say it’s crucial to protect your eyesight if watching the solar eclipse. (Photo: City of Mississauga)

Map shows path of totality for the solar eclipse on April 8.

INsauga's Editorial Standards and Policies