On assignment on April 8, 2024 for Reuters on the remote south west coast of Newfoundland on Eclipse Island. A small island nestled in the harbour of Burgeo. It was named by the legendary navigator and cartographer Capt. James Cook while he was moored there in 1766 and witnessed a total solar eclipse.
From those observations, and comparing them to other observations in other locations, he was able to develop a means of longitude and longitudinal global navigation. Much of Cook’s cartography, depth soundings and marine charts for Newfoundland and the east coast of Canada are still in use today.
Return of the total eclipse
Monday April 8, 2024, saw the first return of a total eclipse to the island since Cook moored his ship there 258 years before.
The 1,100 Burgeo residents joined millions of eclipse enthusiasts along a slender zone averaging about 115 miles (185 km) wide slicing through Mexico into Texas and across 14 other U.S. states and Quebec and four more provinces of Canada. Exiting North America in Newfoundland.
The residents of the fishing town near the now uninhabited Eclipse Island gathered to celebrate the celestial event and rebuilt a historic beacon on the island while watching the eclipse, where totality lasted about two minutes. Just a matter of how many tourists would make the long drive to the remote south coast of Canada’s most eastern province.
The 8-foot (2.4 meter) tall beacon was originally built in the 1950-60s at the peak of Eclipse Island by community members. It will be run on solar power and be a beacon in the harbour of Burgeo.
Total eclipse of the heart
Giving true meaning to Eclipse Island, in Burgeo, a community-focused event at the Government Wharf saw people sing songs, restore the beacon, participate in traditional smudging ceremonies and drumming, while celebrating indigenous culture and heritage.
For me the decision to go rested on where the eclipse would be visible in Newfoundland and the 9 hour drive from St John’s. But once the story and historical value of Eclipse Island became obvious the decision was made for us. How could you not go to Eclipse Island to photograph the eclipse and close and connect the the two historical events.
Besides, it turned out that it was one of the very few places, like two! … you could go that day to have clear skies in the province. Seems appropriate.
