McCormick Resource Centre
McCormick Care Group – Home Update
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
A solar eclipse is expected on April 8, 2024.
In Ontario, the solar eclipse is expected to start at about 2:04 p.m. and last for about two and a half hours. The sun will be completely covered (eclipsed) at approximately 3:20 p.m. to 3:23 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth. The Sun is partly or completely covered by the Moon causing darkness during the day. Different parts of the province will have different views of the eclipse. In some areas the sun will be completely covered, while in other areas it will only be partly covered. During a total solar eclipse there is something called “the path of totality”. This is a narrow area about 100-115KM wide where the Sun will appear to be completely covered by the Moon for about 2-3 minutes. Areas of the province that are expected to be in the path of totality include Niagara, Hamilton, and Kingston.
You should not look at the sun directly during the eclipse. You need glasses with specialized filters adhering to the ISO 12312-2 international standard to look at a partial or total solar eclipse. Your regular eyeglasses or sunglasses are not good enough.
Looking at the sun without proper protection may cause something called solar retinopathy – which means damage to the retina, the tissue at the back of the eye. If you suffer this kind of damage, your symptoms might not appear until 12-48 hours later and you may need medical treatment.
We have prepared the attached Solar Eclipse Preparedness Plan for the Home. We ask you to review the plan and ask any questions prior to April 8, 2024. A fact sheet prepared by the Government of Ontario is attached as well.
Steve Crawford, CEO
McCormick Care Group