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Solar Eclipse Safety

Algoma Public Health

Solar Eclipse Safety

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About

 

On Monday, April 8, 2024, parts of Ontario will receive a total solar eclipse.

A total solar eclipse is a rare celestial event where the moon passes between 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. However, Algoma will not be in the 'path of totality' meaning that residents will only experience a partial eclipse. 

 

Timeline for Algoma

 

Date: Monday, April 8, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM EST

 

 

Dangers of Viewing a Partial or Total Solar Eclipse Without Proper Eye Protection

 

  • Even looking at a small sliver of the Sun during a solar eclipse can be harmful to your vision.
  • Health impacts may include retinal burns, blurred vision, and loss of eyesight (immediate or delayed onset).
  • Regular sunglasses will not protect people’s eyes.
  • It is not safe to 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 an eclipse box or a LiveStream.
  • Eye damage may not be immediately apparent, and symptoms can take 12-48 hours to appear.

 

Seeking Care

 

  • If you begin to experience temporary visual loss, blurred vision, or eyesight loss during or after the event, speak to your eye care professional (e.g., optometrist) or your health care provider as soon as possible.
  • If you are experiencing blindness after viewing the eclipse (immediate or delayed), seek emergency care immediately.

 

Additional Resources

 

 

Video