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On April 8, 2024 at 11:54 am, the moon will start passing in front of the sun, causing a solar eclipse.
In Edmonton, we will only be able to see a partial eclipse, at mid-eclipse approximately 23% of the area of the sun will be covered by the moon, according to the Telus World of Science’s website.
Though you and your children may want to watch the partial eclipse, it is never safe to look at the sun without proper eye protection.
The Canada Space Agency says that looking directly at the sun can lead to serious problems such as partial or complete loss of eyesight.
To prevent children looking at the eclipse without protection, it is safest to stay indoors on Monday, April 8 from 11:45 am to 2:00 pm.
Sunglasses DO NOT provide enough protection.
How to safely watch a solar eclipse:
Wear special glasses with eclipse filters (ISO 12312-2 international standard), also known as “safe solar viewers”
Create and use a pinhole projector (see instructions below)
Attend an event offering safe eclipse viewing (see more information below)
Edmonton eclipse viewing events:
Free
April 8, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Galaxy Gift Shop at the Telus World of Science will also be selling safe solar viewers, ask a cashier to assist you!
How to create a pinhole projector:
These instructions are from the Canada Space Agency’s website. Find them here.
Supplies:
An empty cardboard box (the longer it is, the larger the image of the Sun)
White paper
Scissors
Aluminum foil
A pin
Tape
How to build your projector:
Open the box and, using tape, cover one of the inner sides with white paper.
On the opposite side of the white paper, cut two holes side by side and at least 10 cm apart (one for the Sun, the other to look in).
Cover the Sun hole with aluminum foil and tape it in place.
Grab your pin and poke a tiny hole in the aluminum foil.
Seal the box tightly.
Decorate the outside of your new projector to make it your own! (optional)
How to use your projector:
Turn your back to the Sun.
Look through the eye hole and try to position yourself so that you see a projection of the Sun on the white paper.
When the Moon starts going over the Sun, you will see its shadow slowly covering the Sun.
For more information on solar eclipses visit the Canada Space Agency’s website.