A once-in-a-lifetime view is lining up perfectly.
On Monday, April 8 a total solar eclipse is crossing over North America. In Timmins, eclipse-watchers can expect to see about 84 per cent coverage, said Antoine Garwah of Science Timmins.
“It doesn’t happen every year, it’s a special one,” he laughed. “Plus the fact that it’s a natural thing, it’s not human-made. It’s not something that we control.”
For the phenomenon, the moon will pass between the Earth and sun, blocking the sun. It starts around 2 p.m. and ends after 4 p.m. The peak is at 3:19 p.m. So far, the weather forecast is calling for a sunny, warm day.
While the Timmins view won't be a total eclipse, Garwah said it will be a good partial eclipse.
Because the eclipse is around the time students leave school, the area boards have a professional activity (PA) day on Monday.
If you plan to watch the rare event, safety is key.
“First of all you need to know to protect their eyes. They have to protect their eyes because even for two, three seconds might damage (their eyes),” said Garwah.
Regular sunglasses won't cut it. Garwah said to use ISO-certified eclipse glasses.
On Monday, April 8, Science Timmins will be at Gillies Lake starting around 2 p.m. Eclipse glasses will be available for $10 each.
A workshop this weekend will also let you build a pin-hole viewing box, pick up glasses and learn about the eclipse by watching one in the planetarium.
On Saturday, April 6 there are workshops at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
For more information or to register for the workshop, email [email protected] or call 705-268-4543.
