​Bruce County offers safety tips for viewing solar eclipse April 8

Monday, April 8, southern Ontario will experience a total solar eclipse. This is a rare celestial event where the moon passes between the earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the earth’s surface.

This moving shadow, called “the path of totality,” will pass over many municipalities in Ontario. Although not in the path of totality, Bruce County will still experience a partial eclipse of approximately 95 per cent.

Did you know that it is not safe to view the eclipse without proper eye protection? Health impacts may include retinal burns, blurred vision, and loss of eyesight (immediate or delayed onset).

The Bruce County emergency management department would like residents to enjoy the eclipse safely. Here are some 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
• View the eclipse through a camera/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, the Bruce County Public Library will be hosting live streams of the eclipse at its Port Elgin and Chesley branches.

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

Discover more about emergency preparedness at www.brucecounty.on.ca/getprepared.