DON’T look at the sun!
Nancy Melcher, the Nature Nut
Why have school boards rescheduled a PA Day to April 8, 2024? There’s been some press about the switch due to a solar eclipse, but nothing specific to explain this very unusual move. What is the big deal anyway?
A solar eclipse happens when the path of the moon makes it pass in front of the sun. This happens every month, but due to slight differences in the orbits of Earth and the moon, it is rarely seen. However, in April the shadow that the moon will cast on the surface of the Earth will pass across much of North America, and directly over Durham Region.
We can’t look directly at the sun for more than very brief snippets of time because it’s bright – SO bright that it hurts. When the moon blocks some (or all) of the sun, we could look directly at it and not wince in pain. DON’T! That’s a very dangerous thing to do because that little bit of sun is still extremely strong. It can burn your retina, the part in your eye that sends messages to your brain. This damage can be permanent, resulting in blindness.
How a solar eclipse happens. Graphic from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre
It’s easy to see why schools want to keep students safe during a solar eclipse. The simplest thing is to keep students indoors, away from windows with the blinds closed. Sadly, the April 8 eclipse happens right at afternoon dismissal time. It’s impossible for teachers and school staff to monitor every child, so out of an abundance of caution, boards have rescheduled a PA Day to happen on Monday, April 8. This will let parents be responsible for their children’s health.
Ontario will experience the total solar eclipse between 2 and 4:30 p.m., on the 8th. This means daylight will be affected during this time. The experience varies significantly depending on location within Ontario; coverage will range from less than 50 per cent to 100 per cent. In Durham Region, areas east of Clarington will be in the path of totality. Other areas in Durham Region along the Lake Ontario shoreline will experience a partial eclipse, where obscuration of the sun will not be 100 per cent.
There doesn’t appear to be anywhere in Uxbridge where one can find certified eclipse glasses - if you’re looking for a pair, online shopping might be your best bet, if you act quickly!
There’s lots of information on the internet about how to watch the eclipse. NASA will be live-streaming it – that’s the safest way to watch it! Check it out here and have a fun day!
www.science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/
Nancy Melcher is The Nature Nut. Send details of your sightings or questions about the natural world to: general@melcher.cx