Solar Eclipse Safety

With a solar eclipse in store for Monday, April 8, 2024, it’s important to review safety precautions ahead of the rare celestial event. 

 Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse without adequate protection can cause instant, severe eye injury, according to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. Proper eye protection is essential in these circumstances, and you can learn more about safe practices for observing solar eclipses in the links below.

 We will see a partial solar eclipse. Only about 28% of the sun will be covered by the moon, according to the Space Centre, and our view may be limited due to cloud cover and rain in the forecast. 

 The partial eclipse will last roughly an hour and a half, beginning at 10:43 a.m. and ending at 12:20 p.m. Outdoor time for students may be limited or adjusted during this time depending on local conditions.

 To learn more about the April 8 solar eclipse and how to safely observe the event, the following resources are available:

• Total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 | Canadian Space Agency (asc-csa.gc.ca)
• Toolkit for educators and youth on lunar and solar eclipses | Canadian Space Agency (asc-csa.gc.ca)