2024 Solar Eclipse: Monday, April 8

On Monday, April 8, the Township of Algonquin Highlands, along with other parts of Ontario, Quebec, the Maritimes and Newfoundland, will witness an eclipse of the sun. A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, temporarily blocking sunlight.

Algonquin Highlands and the rest of the County of Haliburton are expected to experience a partial eclipse between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., with the peak occurring at approximately 3:21 p.m. Locally, approximately 97 per cent of the sun will be covered during this peak period.

While it is dangerous to look directly at the sun at any time, this is especially true during a solar eclipse. According to the Kawartha Haliburton Pine Ridge District Health Unit, even looking at a small sliver of the sun during an eclipse can potentially lead to retinal burns, blurred vision, temporary vision loss and even permanent vision loss.

For more eclipse safety tips, visit the HKPR District Health Unit website: https://www.hkpr.on.ca/health-topics/emergency-preparedness/solar-eclipse/

For more information about the April 8 solar eclipse, visit the Canadian Space Agency website: https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/eclipses/total-solar-eclipse.asp