On April 8th at 3:22pm, about 6000 people gathered at Tindall Field to experience and to witness an amazing total solar eclipse. A rare chance of a lifetime since the next total eclipse in Kingston will occur in 2399.
In the words of Prof. Rob Knobel, Head of the Physics Department, who helped lead the university's preparations for the eclipse:
On Tindall Field, we were able to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with thousands of people, and the roar of cheers that went up at totality is going to be one of my lifelong memories. I'm so proud of the team of Queen’s Eclipse Ambassadors who spread out to 20 sites across the city and region, giving the same experience to visitors and residents alike.
It was wonderful to have the support of the whole Queen's community, who have been planning for this day for over a year – a collaborative effort that made our educational efforts and the viewing a tremendous success.
For photos and information, read the Gazette's Sharing an astronomical moment together.
For information on outreach, read Queen’s is helping prepare the region for the coming total solar eclipse.
Countdown to the Total Solar Eclipse
Total Solar Eclipse Livestream
A Youtube livestream leading up to the total eclipse. Host Khadeeja Motiwala interviewing Prof. Rob Knobel, Head of the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy.
Queen's University Alumni
A Facebook reel from the Queen's University Alumni channel capturing people's reactions during the total solar eclipse.
CBC in Kingston
Nick Purdon interviews many people in Kingston, Ontario. Among them was Dr. Nikhil Arora, Queen's Eclipse Outreach Coordinator of the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy.
Dr. Arora is also featured in the CBC radio's All in a Day with Alan Neal on the day of the eclipse.