Essex County will be first in Canada to see the solar eclipse. Here's how to watch it
CBC
A total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of North America next month, and as mainland Canada's southernmost region, Essex County will get to see it first.
"We're hoping for clear skies so that we can see this incredible phenomenon during the day," said Tom Sobocan, public relations director for the Royal Astronomical Society's Windsor chapter.
Here's what you need to know to take in this rare sight:
During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes in front of the sun, creating a period of darkness that lasts for a few minutes. During this event, a ring of light from the sun remains visible.
While eclipses happen nearly every year, you'd have to go to where they are visible in order to take them in, Sobocan says.
"For most of us, this will be a once-in-a lifetime chance and experience to see a total solar eclipse," he said.
According to the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), the eclipse starts at 1:59 p.m. on April 8 and ends at 4:29 p.m. The total eclipse will take place from 3:13 to 3:17 p.m.
The Essex region "will be the first region in mainland Canada to experience this natural phenomenon," ERCA said in a media release.
The Canadian Space Agency says that specially designed eclipse glasses are required to prevent damage to your eyes — sunglasses won't cut it.
You can also make an eclipse projector out of a cardboard box that will allow you to safely view the event.
"Your retina doesn't have any pain receptors," Sobocan said. "It only has light receptors, and you will end up burning an image of the partial phase of the eclipse sun into your eye and that will lead to permanent eye damage."
To prevent inadvertently looking at the eclipse, Sobocan says to face away from the sun when putting on and removing your glasses.
"I recommend that you practise this before eclipse day, so that you get comfortable with it." he said.
The Royal Astronomical Society in Windsor is selling the glasses for $2 a pair.
Saskatoon city hall says police spending is projected to be $2.6 million over budget this year. That pushes the city into a $1.2-million deficit position, according to a report that will be considered by city council next week.
Students at the University of Regina are days away from deciding whether a newly formed student association should become their official representative body.
All public schools on P.E.I. are closed Friday and thousands of Maritime Electric customers are without power as strong winds create hazardous travel conditions across the province.
Prince Rupert, B.C., residents are celebrating the holidays this year with coastal flair.
In the four years Chelsey Simmonds has worked at the Eva Rothwell Centre, she has seen the need increase every year at the centre’s community food pantry.
CBC is once again looking to make the holiday season kind in Windsor-Essex.
Acute Care Alberta has extended its contract for another year with a private surgical facility at the centre of probes into health procurement and contracting.
As food bank use continues to climb across the province, front-line workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., are working to improve both food security and education.
More ads could soon be coming to Toronto’s subway system.
The driver wanted in connection with a fatal hit and run on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified, police say.
There are mixed feelings about the proposed Grays Bay road and port project, among people who live in nearby communities.
WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse and includes graphic content.
Provincial police in Lambton County have charged a 23-year-old man with second degree murder following a death investigation that began this past Saturday.