Total Solar Eclipse – Once in a lifetime event!

Hamilton and surrounding area will be among the few places in North America to experience a total solar eclipse. The eclipse will start at 2:03 p.m. and end by 4:30 p.m. The Moon will completely block the Sun for 96 seconds starting at 3:18 p.m., turning mid-afternoon into midnight and filling the sky with stars. 

This’ll be the first total solar eclipse over McMaster since Jan. 24, 1925. The next won’t happen until Oct. 26, 2144.

The total solar eclipse will be visible from Haldimand, Norfolk, Six Nations, Hamilton, Niagara, and Burlington

Events

A series of eclipse talks hosted by McMaster students and faculty members are planned. They will be held on campus and in the community.

Free public lectures at McMaster are scheduled for March 12, 18, 22, 26 and April 2.

Eclipse shows at the Planetarium will be held during March Break (March 11 to March 15) and on April 3. Register in advance on the planetarium website.

Full details and updates on all outreach events are posted at the W. J. McCallion Planetarium website.

How to Enjoy a Solar Eclipse Safely

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon partially or totally covers the sun. It is a fascinating event, but it is important to guard against damage to your eyes. Be sure to follow these options for safe viewing to have an enjoyable and safe eclipse experience.

Safety First

Ensure your eyes are protected at all times by using approved solar eclipse viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing. The solar viewing glasses provided by McMaster University meet these standards. Make sure that the glasses are not damaged or scratched before use. Sunglasses, even those with a very dark tint, are NOT sufficient protection.

McMaster University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy is partnering with local libraries to allow easy access for residents to be able to pick up glasses to view the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.

Don’t Get Burned!

Staring at the sun without protection may cause damage to your retina (the tissue at the back of your eye) called “solar retinopathy.” This damage can occur without any sensation of pain. The injury can be temporary or permanent.

Go Indirect – Project!

If you can’t find eclipse viewers, make a pinhole projector to watch the eclipse. It’s important to only watch the screen, not the sun. Never look at the sun through the pinhole.

Watch Online

Watch an online livestream of the event from a verified source. Alternatively, check out a recording of the eclipse after it has happened!

For more information about the April 08, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, visit: planetarium.physics.mcmaster.ca/2024-eclipse/

Information courtesy of McMaster University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy