New Brunswick man recalls decades-long wait to see total solar eclipse in hometown [Video]

For Gregory MacIvor, who was born and raised in Miramichi, N.B., the solar eclipse was a homecoming and a childhood dream fulfilled.

MacIvor first heard about the impending total eclipse when he was 11 years old and recalls his vow to witness the event in New Brunswick.

It was 1979, and Brandon, Man., was in the path of totality. A young MacIvor heard on the news that his hometown would get the same opportunity in 2024.

“I was worried. 2024?! I might be working on a moon base by then. I might not get a chance to see it,” he recalled.

Now 56, MacIvor is not working on a moon base, but instead, lives in Calgary.

He returned home to the city of about 17,000 for the event, which he described as a “celestial experience.”

“This will be a very magical moment for me,” he said.

“This is great. It will also promote science among the children. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for most …