Stay safe during the solar eclipse

On Monday, April 8, 2024, parts of Ontario will experience a total solar eclipse, an exciting celestial event. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth. The shadow, called the “path of totality,” will cause darkness in the middle of the afternoon. While York Region is not in the path of totality, it will still experience a partial solar eclipse. This shadow will affect York Region from approximately 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the peak of the eclipse occurring for a few minutes at around 3:20 p.m. The time and duration of the solar eclipse will vary depending on where you are located.

York Region Public Health is reminding residents that it is not safe to directly look at the sun, especially during an eclipse. Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse without appropriate eye protection can cause eye damage (including retinal burns and blurred vision) or loss of eyesight (immediate or delayed onset). Viewing even a small sliver of the sun before or after the eclipse without proper eye protection can be harmful to your vision. If you choose to look at the eclipse, wear approved eye protection.

Our retinas (at the back of the eye) do not have pain sensors to signal damage from looking at the sun. You can cause serious damage to your eyes without feeling any pain. Eye damage may not be immediately apparent and symptoms can take 12 to 48 hours to appear.

You can purchase eclipse glasses with specialized filters (check for ISO 12312-2 international standard) that can be worn to prevent eye damage. Note that:

• Eclipse 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 (everything you see)
• Put on eclipse glasses when looking away from the sun, then look at the eclipse. Look away from the sun before taking eclipse glasses off

It is not safe to view the eclipse through regular sunglasses, camera/phone lens, telescope, binoculars, homemade filters, or other optical devices not specifically made for viewing eclipses – these will not protect your eyes. 

If appropriate eye protection is not available, consider building an eclipse box or watching a LiveStream. 

Support children and vulnerable populations during the eclipse   

Children should always be supervised during eclipses as they may not fully understand the risks involved. Children’s eyes are at higher risk of harm if they look at the sun without proper eye protection. Given that the time of the eclipse coincides with school dismissal, many Ontario schools have arranged for early dismissal on the afternoon of the eclipse or for April 8 to be a Professional Activity (PA) Day.  

• York Region District School Board (YRSDB) and York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) will dismiss all students in elementary and secondary schools early on April 8. Individual schools will confirm and communicate the actual dismissal time 
• Parents of children who attend other schools or child care facilities are encouraged to contact the sites directly to confirm individual solar eclipse safety plans

Seniors, people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations may require extra support during the eclipse to ensure they do not look at the sun without proper eye protection or get confused by the darkness. 

Stay safe when driving

York Region will experience night-like conditions during the afternoon of April 8. If possible, it is best to avoid travel between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. when the sky will be darkest. If you must drive, avoid looking at the sun, ensure your headlights are on, and watch closely for pedestrians. Do not take pictures while driving and avoid stopping on the shoulders to take pictures.  

When to seek 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 (such as an optometrist) or your health care professional as soon as possible. If you are experiencing blindness after viewing the eclipse (immediate or delayed), seek emergency care immediately.