Chatham-Kent is located directly in the path of totality for the upcoming total solar eclipse happening on April 8th from approximately 2-4:30 P.M. It is an event of a lifetime. The last total eclipse in Ontario was on February 26/1979 in the northern part of the province. The next one will not take place until 2099.
The moon orbits around the earth and sometime the moon is between the sun and the earth. When this happens, the moon blocks the light of the sun from reaching the earth, causing a solar eclipse. During an eclipse the moon casts a shadow onto the earth. For a total solar eclipse to occur the sun, moon and earth must be in a direct line and this only happens once every 18 months. It is only visible from certain areas and at the time of a total solar eclipse, the sky becomes very dark as if it were night. A total solar eclipse is only visible in a narrow path and must be located in this path of totality. Due to 2024’s path for the total solar eclipse along the Lake Erie shoreline, areas of Chatham-Kent are prime viewing locations. Check out the timeline for Chatham-Kent at their website.
You should never look directly at the sun without proper protective eyewear as the sun’s radiation can be damaging to the eyes. If you are planning to witness this extraordinary event, plan ahead and get special-purpose solar glasses to protect your eyes during the eclipse There are additional safety tips on-line on the CK site. CK Tourism is providing a number of viewing glasses at the municipal libraries as long as supplies last. If you purchase viewing glasses online ensure they are ISO approved.
Enjoy this rare phenomenon and be safe.