By Olivier Pontbriand – Contributor

with Kelly Gillis – Experiential learning coordinator

The last time that a total solar eclipse was visible at Bishop’s dates back to 1932. On April 8, 2024, almost 92 years later, Bishop’s will once again be the prime location to witness this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. The path of our solar system’s star and our natural satellite will directly intertwine, offering Sherbrooke three and a half minutes of darkness in the middle of the day – more than triple the duration of the visible eclipse in Montreal. 

Some may wonder how can our little moon – the place where Neil Armstrong took his leap for mankind – can totally block the sun, our source of light and sunburns, which is over 100 times larger than the Earth. Disciplines such as mathematics, physics and astronomy explain a big part of this phenomenon. Mathematically, the moon is 400 times smaller than the sun, and the sun is 400 times farther from Earth than the moon, making it possible for the moon to completely block the sun – a perfect equation for a once-in-a-lifetime event. 

The Eastern Townships are expecting up to a million visitors on that day. With its telescope, professors with expertise on the matter and free eclipse-viewing glasses, Bishop’s will be one of the premier locations to see the day turn into night. The university has been preparing for the eclipse since last year, and will be welcoming several thousand visitors for the event.

Élodie Lescure, a graduate student in physics and astronomy at Bishop’s, says that she is excited for the community to experience how amazing her area of research is. “A total solar eclipse is an incredible event for everyone, not just scientists and people who know about the phenomenon,” she says. “It offers an observational experience and a unique opportunity to observe the Sun’s corona (the outer layer of the Sun). As an astronomer, this event is particularly exciting as it provides the perfect opportunity for outreach and to talk about astronomy to the general public, generating interest in a subject that I work on every day. I have always been in awe of the universe, and this natural spectacle will surely deepen my appreciation of its wonders,” adds Lescure.

On eclipse day, volunteers will be key in coordinating the influx of visitors and the Bishop’s community. Besides being part of such a unique event, volunteers will also receive an ENGAGE credit for their participation. ENGAGE credits on a student’s co-curricular record help demonstrate valuable skills acquired while volunteering, which can then help students stand out in graduate school or job applications. Roles will vary from on-field help showing visitors around campus, to operating scientific pin-hole cameras, to spreading the word of our amazing viewing opportunity among the Bishop’s community, the local population and the potential million visitors. To get involved, students are invited to get in touch with the Experiential Learning team at EL@ubishops.ca or visit the Instagram page @experibu to learn more about the opportunities. 

In light of the eclipse, multiple activities are set to occur in the leading days. On April 4, Bishop’s Donald Lecture series will welcome Prof. Jean-Louis Heudier, an internationally respected astronomer, to talk about eclipses. More activities will be announced soon, but for now, make sure to mark your calendars, tell your friends about it and get involved!

Olivier Pontbriand is a student volunteer for the total solar eclipse event at Bishop’s