How to watch upcoming solar eclipse – a ‘rare celestial event’

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The total solar eclipse slated to darken Ontario’s skies on April 8 will provide a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see such a celestial event.

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The last total solar eclipse visible in our province was in 1979 and the next one will be in 2099.

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In other words, this is not one to miss.

“A total solar eclipse is when the moon aligns perfectly between the Earth and the sun, casting its shadow onto our planet and creating a path of totality,” said Daliah Bibas, the Ontario Science Centre’s astronomy and space sciences researcher-programmer.

“And this path of totality will be over Mexico, the United States and Canada. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness this for sure,” added Bibas. “So it’ll be a pretty spectacular view. I think it’s so important because these rare celestial events bring people together to watch and witness and reflect on our place in the cosmos.”

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The eclipse will be visible in Toronto between 2:04 p.m. and 4:31 p.m., with the peak occurring at 3:19 p.m.

But don’t look directly at the eclipse without the protection of safe solar view glasses or a filter that meets the international standard — ISO 12312-2 — or through appropriate handheld solar eclipse viewers or lenses.

“Sunglasses — no matter how dark they are — are not safe to use during an eclipse, even if you’re at 99% totality,” said Bibas.

“It’s important to use solar eclipse glasses that are ISO compliant, which is an international standard, which ensures the filters meet strict safety requirements for viewing the sun.”

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If you plan to view the eclipse in Toronto, Bibas recommended going to a location which provides an open view of the sky such as a park or maybe even a backyard.

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“We are actually encouraging people to watch the solar eclipse safely from home or go to the path of totality, which is so close,” said Bibas. “Cities like Hamilton and Fort Erie and Niagara Falls, Oakville, Burlington — all of the cities — are in the path of totality. So we’re encouraging people to take a little field trip and view the total solar eclipse there.”

Bibas said eclipse viewers may also notice or hear nocturnal animals like frogs and crickets come out during the darkness, and to see day dwellers like birds go to sleep or stay quiet until the light returns.

The Ontario Science Centre will have pre-eclipse programming on April 6–7, at the Special Exhibition Hall, level 6, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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