Photo by Jongsun Lee on Unsplash

On Monday, April 8, 2024, southern Ontario will experience a total solar eclipse, a rare celestial event where the moon passes between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth's surface.

In a March 27 media release from Bruce County, the moving shadow is called "the path of totality" and will pass over many municipalities in Ontario. While not in the path of totality, Bruce County will experience a partial eclipse, an estimated 95 percent.

County officials are reminding residents that it is not safe to view an eclipse without proper eye protection. Health impacts may include retinal burns, blurred vision, and loss of eyesight (immediate or delayed onset).

"Bruce County Emergency Management would like residents to enjoy the eclipse safely," read the media release, offering the following tips on how to view the eclipse in a safe manner:

Wear approved eye protection - Glasses with specialized filters adhering to the ISO 12312-2 international standard can be worn to prevent eye damage.

Glasses should be inspected for wrinkles or scratches ahead of use and should not be used if damaged.

Ensure that eclipse glasses fully cover your field of vision.

Put on glasses when looking away from the Sun, then look at the eclipse. Look away from the Sun before taking glasses off.

Children should always be supervised during eclipses as they may not fully comprehend the risks involved.

Do not use regular sunglasses to look at the eclipse.

Do not view the eclipse through a camera or phone lens, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device.

If appropriate eye protection is not available, alternate viewing strategies should be considered, such as a live stream at www.timeanddate.com/live/eclipse-solar-2024-april-8.

Locally, Bruce County Public Library will be hosting live streams of the eclipse at their Port Elgin and Chesley branches.

If you would like more information on how to remain safe while enjoying the eclipse, please visit the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada website at www.rasc.ca.