With just hours until the moon passes across the sun, plunging the region into early darkness during a rare celestial experience, there's a lot to know ahead of this afternoon's solar eclipse.
What is a solar eclipse?
During a solar eclipse, the moon crosses in front of the sun blocking its light. People can expect conditions to be similar to sunrise or sunset and the temperature may drop.
This will be the first solar eclipse in southern Ontario since 1925. The next one won't happen until 2144.
When is the eclipse?
The solar eclipse will happen on April 8 and will last approximately two and a half hours in Waterloo region, beginning at 2:03 p.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m.
Where to take it in:
Two Idea Exchange locations, Clemens Mill and the Old Post Office, will be hosting parties for residents.
The party at Clemens Mill will run from noon to 6 p.m. and be full of activities, crafts and learning opportunities.
The Old Post Office will have attendees take to the balcony overlooking the Grand River to view the total solar eclipse when it's at its peak around 3:19 p.m. The event will run from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"At each of these events, a limited number of glasses and pinhole viewers will be available to participants," Jennifer Tupling, communications for the Idea Exchange, said.
Safety:
Looking directly at the sun is never advised and can be harmful to the eyes. Protective solar eclipse glasses are available that have a filter to protect the eye from the rays of the sun.
"An eclipse is one of those things like crossing the street, it’s only dangerous if you're not well prepared for it," Roan Haggar, a researcher at the University of Waterloo, told CambridgeToday last month.
"The only reason it's a concern is because there’s likely more people who want to look at it. Some people think if 99 per cent of it is covered up, its okay to look at, but it’s not."
The weather forecast:
According to The Weather Network, Monday's forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud, with a high of 14 degrees. There's expected to be three hours of sunlight.
Additional resources to learn more:
Several organizations have released educational information for people to learn more about the eclipse.
- University of Waterloo
- Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
- Canadian Space Agency
- Discover the Universe
- NASA Science
