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Total Solar Eclipse in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties

Attention! Looking directly at the sun is dangerous. It can cause harm to your eyes and even cause permanent damage and loss of sight. Continue reading for information on how to enjoy the solar eclipse safely.  

On April 8, 2024, Haldimand and Norfolk counties will experience a total solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the sun and the earth, completely blocking out the sun’s light.

A total eclipse can only be viewed along a narrow strip called the path of totality. During the April 8 eclipse, Haldimand and Norfolk County will be in this path.

The eclipse will start around 2:00 p.m. and end just after 4:31 p.m., with the total eclipse lasting approximately 3 minutes. The peak time for both counties will be approximately 3:18 p.m. During this period, daylight will be affected, and the day will turn into “night” for a brief period during the total eclipse. Check the timeline for your town.

On this page

Protect your eyes during a solar eclipse

To protect your eyes and avoid eye damage during a solar eclipse:

  • Do not look directly at the eclipse at all. Looking at even a small sliver before or after the eclipse without eye protection can harm your vision.
  • If you want to look at the eclipse, only use safe solar eclipse viewers or filters that meet international standard ISO 12312-2.
  • You can enjoy the eclipse through indirect viewing methods such as pinhole projectors or NASA’s live stream.
  • Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes.
  • It is unsafe to view the eclipse through a camera, phone lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device, even with eclipse viewers.
  • Do not use homemade filters or any devices that are not specifically made for viewing eclipses.
  • Keep a close eye on children during a solar eclipse. Their eyes let in more light to the retina than adult eyes, so they are at higher risk of harm.

Other Safety Tips

Tips when using eye protection:

  • Make sure your viewers are from a reputable vendor. If you’re unsure if the product came from a reputable vendor, do not use it.
  • Read and follow all directions.
  • Check the viewer or filter for any damage, wrinkles, punctures, or scratches before using it.
  • Ensure that eclipse glasses fully cover your field of vision.
  • You should not be able to see anything through a safe solar filter except the Sun itself.
  • Put on the viewer before looking at the solar eclipse and turn away from the eclipse before removing the viewer.
  • Help children use their eye protection correctly and provide adult supervision.

There are no pain sensors in your retinas to indicate that your eyes are being damaged by looking at the Sun. Symptoms can take 12 to 48 hours to appear. Once symptoms start, it is usually too late to reverse the damage.

If you experience any changes in your vision following the solar eclipse, visit a hospital or your optometrist for an assessment. Do not drive.

Tips when Travelling

  • While driving, avoid looking at the eclipse. Keep your eyes on the road to safely operate your vehicle and avoid collisions.
  • Follow local directives and road signage as you travel on April 8. While travelling on highways, do not stop, take pictures, or leave your car to view the eclipse.
  • Stay updated on road conditions before, during, and after the eclipse by visiting 511on.ca.
  • Expect increases in traffic and road congestion. Plan ahead, fill your gas tank, and have snacks, water, entertainment, and first-aid supplies.
  • If travelling to view the eclipse, plan to arrive at your destination 24 to 48 hours ahead.

Local Resources

Additional resources:

The content on this page was adapted from Toronto Public Health (2024).