For the first time since 1979, Ontario will be in the path of a total solar eclipse this spring and southern Northumberland County is a prime viewing area.
Northumberland County officials and partners held a media briefing on Monday (March 4) to highlight what’s expected on the day of the eclipse — Monday, April 8 — and how to safely enjoy the celestial phenomenon.
Northumberland, together with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPRDHU), and local municipalities are teaming up to ensure residents are prepared.
Assuming favourable weather conditions — a sunny day with few clouds in the sky — residents will witness the eclipse beginning just after 2 p.m. With southern Northumberland County — including Brighton, Colborne, Grafton, Cobourg, and Port Hope — being in the path of totality, residents will see darkness for a period of one to two minutes, the county told media during the Zoom call.
“As we approach the date of the solar eclipse, it’s crucial for everyone to plan ahead and be prepared,” said Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander in a statement following the briefing.
“Residents intending to view the eclipse should consider a suitable viewing area ahead of time. Also, with the potential for a high number of visitors to our area, we are reminding residents about the importance of having necessary supplies, including those for a complete emergency kit.”
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the earth and the sun, casting its shadow on the earth’s surface. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun, casting a shadow on the earth — visible to people in what is called the “path of totality.”
Southern Northumberland County is in the path of totality, along with Hamilton, Brantford, St. Catharines, and Niagara Falls as well as some communities in southwestern Ontario. Reporters heard how Niagara Falls is seeing an influx of hotel reservations as people plan to take in the once-in-a-lifetime event.
While a total solar eclipse is visible from somewhere on Earth around every 18 months, any particular spot on the planet will only experience one around once every 400 years. The next total solar eclipse visible from Northumberland County will not happen again until 2399.
The path of totality for the 2024 eclipse will only be approximately 180 kilometres wide. Because of its rarity, many people will be eager to catch a glimpse, Northumberland noted. However, watching the eclipse without proper eye protection at any point other than during the brief period of totality, when the moon completely obscures the sun, can damage your eyes.
“It is important to remember that looking at the sun anytime is dangerous, and without certified glasses that contain specialized filters your eyes could suffer retinal burns, blurred vision, and vision loss,” said Bernie Mayer, manager of environmental health with the HKPRDHU.
“By securing proper eye protection, you can safely experience this rare solar eclipse event. Sunglasses — even high-quality ones — will not suffice. Although this can be an exciting and memorable time, please remember that your personal safety comes first.”
VIDEO: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Northumberland County
The total eclipse will be visible in the lower part of Northumberland along the shores of Lake Ontario as the moon’s shadow travels along the path of totality. Residents further north, above Baltimore and Brighton, will witness a partial eclipse of the sun.
Glasses with specialized filters, adhering to the ISO 12312-2 international standard, should be worn throughout the eclipse, regardless of your location in Northumberland County, county officials said.
“Certified solar eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses,” they noted.
The eclipse will begin at 2:06 p.m. in western Northumberland and at 2:07 p.m. in eastern Northumberland and will last for about two and a half hours. Totality, where the moon completely obscures the sun, will start in western Northumberland around 3:20 p.m. and in eastern Northumberland at 3:21 p.m.
Depending on where you are, totality will last for up to two minutes. In Northumberland County, Brighton will experience the longest period of totality at just under two minutes.
During the eclipse, residents can expect a gradual dimming of natural light and a temporary drop in temperature as the sun is blocked by the moon’s shadow. During totality, complete darkness will occur. Both animals and plants can change their behaviour during a total solar eclipse and, for many people, it is an emotional experience.
County officials said residents can expect busy roads on April 8, if the weather conditions are ideal. With the projected influx of visitors, especially from Toronto which is not in the path of totality, residents should be prepared in the case of an emergency, the county said.
“While unlikely, (if an emergency were to happen in our community during this period), the increased number of people in the area could put a strain on our road network, emergency and health care services, and other infrastructure.”
“It is important for people to have the resources in place to be self-sufficient during the first 72 hours of an emergency, to enable the most effective deployment of emergency resources during such an instance.”
The county has shared these precautions for viewing the eclipse:
- Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, even during partial phases of the eclipse.
- Certified glasses adhering to the ISO 12312-2 international standard should be worn to prevent eye damage.
- Inspect glasses for damage before use, and discard if scratched, punctured, or if they are older than three years old.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable viewing experience, residents are encouraged to identify a safe and unobstructed location, check local viewing times, and arrive early to set up equipment and come prepared with supplies.
The county, local municipalities, and the HKPRDHU have developed a webpage with safety tips and more. Visit Northumberland.ca/NoCoEclipse for additional details.
