Millions of Canadians were treated to a rare celestial event on Monday, when the moon lined up between the sun and Earth.
People in the north had the chance to see about 70 per cent of a solar eclipse.
The peak viewing times for parts of the north were the following: Sault Ste. Marie – 2:20 pm, Timmins - 2:23 pm, Sudbury – 2: 25 pm and North Bay – 2:28 pm.
Children and adults in Sudbury alike lined up for a chance to peek through a telescope set up outside of Science North.
It was fit with a special lens that allowed people to look directly at the eclipse; without concern for eye safety.
"It's very interesting. This is great for me," said Donna Bowles, an eclipse observer.
"I remember as a child there was a partial eclipse, and I remember being really excited about that. Now, my oldest son, who's just about to turn six, is actually quite interested in star wars and space and the moon and everything," said Meghan Marsaw, who also showed up for the viewing party.
After a lesson on how to wear his special glasses at science north, Marsaw's son Owen was ready for the eclipse.
"It is great that we have an opportunity to all take advantage because without this, my children and I would not be able to see this today so I am very thankful," said Marsaw.
Scientists at Science North say this was the first total eclipse in almost 40 years that those of us in North America were able to see
"Eclipses aren't super rare. They happen two to five times a year, but we can't always see them," said Olathe Macintyre, a Science North staff scientist.
"The moon’s shadow on the earth isn't always where we can observe it from. It only falls in the same place about every 360 years. So, this is definitely an exciting day."
Scientists say if you missed this year's solar eclipse, you'll have to wait another seven years for the next one; which is set to happen in April of 2024.
