Canadian astronaut to speak during solar eclipse events in Niagara Falls, Ontario

The events leading up to the solar eclipse in Niagara Falls just got bigger with a visit from Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen this weekend.

Hansen is slated to become the first Canadian to fly to the moon. He is assigned to Artemis II, a 10-day crewed mission to the moon. The date for the mission isn’t known yet but it happen no earlier than September 2025.

On Sunday, April 7, Niagara Parks will host Hansen as part of the weekend events ahead of the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, according to a press release from Niagara Parks. Niagara Falls and Fort Erie are at the centre of the path of totality for the eclipse.

Niagara Falls has a full lineup of events ahead of the eclipse and is expecting so many people that they have declared a state of emergency.

Hansen will speak during a public question and answer session on the Queen Victoria Park event stage at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, aiming to inspire and educate about the future of Canadian space exploration.

He is expected at other events but those details will be announced later on Niagara Parks’ social media channels.

“Niagara will be one of the best places in the world to witness this monumental eclipse,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport in the press release. “Bring your friends and family for a unique opportunity to learn from esteemed Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and enjoy four days of educational fun. With loads of free experiences to choose from, there is something for everyone at Niagara Parks.”

Originally from London, Ontario, Hansen is a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force who was selected as a recruit by the Canadian Space Agency through the third Canadian Astronaut Recruitment Campaign in 2009.

In 2011, he graduated from Astronaut Candidate Training and began working at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Mission Control Center as capcom – the voice between the ground and the International Space Station.

In 2017, Hansen became the first Canadian to lead a NASA astronaut class, and in 2023, he was assigned to the Artemis II mission, which will lead him to become the first Canadian to travel around the moon in 2025.

As part of its total solar eclipse programming, Niagara Parks is hosting a range of educational and interactive activities for guests venturing to Niagara Falls for this once-in-a-lifetime event.

From solar telescope viewing sessions to informative talks alongside astronomy experts, the programming is designed to engage and enlighten visitors of all ages, according to Niagara Parks.

For a full lineup of Niagara Parks’ solar eclipse programming and guest information, visit niagaraparks.com/eclipse.

Lead photo of astronaut Jeremy Hansen: Canadian Space Agency