London, ON – On April 8, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., parts of London and Middlesex County will experience a partial solar eclipse, with the peak time estimated to be around 3:17 PM.

What is a Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the earth’s surface.

While the eclipse presents a unique opportunity for observation, it's important to remember eye safety. Whether you plan on watching the eclipse or are outside in the community, looking at even a small sliver before or after the eclipse without appropriate solar eclipse eye protection can be harmful to your eyesight. Eye damage may not be noticed immediately, symptoms can take 12 to 48 hours to appear.

Symptoms may include:

• Eye pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Temporary or permanent vision loss

If you experience these symptoms or any other eye-related issues during or following the solar eclipse, seek medical attention immediately from your optometrist or your healthcare provider. Do not drive if you’re experiencing symptoms, ask for assistance.

Protecting Your Eyes During a Solar Eclipse:

• Do not look directly at the eclipse without proper eye protection.
• If you want to look at the eclipse, only use safe solar eclipse viewers or filters that meet international standard ISO 12312-2. Please note, regular sunglasses will not protect people’s eyes.
• Indirect viewing methods, such as pinhole projectors, can be used to experience an eclipse.
• While the appeal of capturing the eclipse through cameras, phones, telescopes, or binoculars is tempting, these devices do not offer adequate eye protection.
• Instead, consider alternate viewing methods such as an eclipse box or LiveStream if proper eyewear is unavailable.
• Keep a close eye on children as their eyes are more sensitive than adults, and they may not understand the risks of looking at the eclipse.
• Be cautious when driving as the solar eclipse can create nighttime-like conditions. Drive carefully and keep your headlights on for improved visibility.

Resources

• Eclipse Path of Totality: Total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024
• How to safely watch a solar eclipse
• Toolkit for educators and youth – Solar and lunar eclipses
• University of Western Ontario’s Cronyn Observatory

Media Contact:
Morgan Lobzun, Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-617-0571 (cell) or media@mlhu.on.ca

Spokesperson:
Dr. Joanne Kearon, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit