On April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse will occur in the skies of Quebec. A spectacular and rare phenomenon, the solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and projects its shadow on the Earth.
What is a solar eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and casts its shadow on the Earth.
In places that lie in the path of the Moon’s shadow, it appears as if the Sun has darkened. Depending on the distance between the Sun and the Moon, and their position, it is possible to see two types of solar eclipses:
- Total eclipse: The Moon completely covers the Sun.
- Partial eclipse: The Sun and Moon are not perfectly aligned.
The totality band of the eclipse groups together the sectors where the eclipse is total. During this phase of the eclipse, we have the impression that night has fallen for a few minutes.
Outside the band of totality, the eclipse is partial since the Moon only partially hides the Sun.
The total solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon. In Quebec, the last one took place in 1972 while the next one will take place in 2106. Partial solar eclipses, however, take place periodically in Canada. Check the dates of upcoming partial solar eclipses in Canada .
How to protect your eyes during the solar eclipse
Supervision of children and non-autonomous people is important to ensure that they respect the following instructions at all times.
Observing the Sun without using protective equipment should be avoided, as it can cause permanent damage to the eyes, even with conventional sun protection such as sunglasses or contact lenses. This risk increases during an eclipse due to the decrease in the Sun’s brightness, which reduces the eye protection reflex.
If you want to observe the eclipse, safe methods exist. Indirect methods are preferable since the risks are lower than direct observation.
Indirect observation of the eclipse
There are safe options for observing the solar eclipse indirectly, without looking directly at the sun:
- Use of a solar eclipse box which allows you to observe a small image of the sun at the bottom of a closed box. Learn how to make a solar eclipse box ;
- Observation of shadows, when you cross the fingers of one hand over the other and look at the ground. The sunlight passing through the opening of the fingers will project the image of the eclipse onto the ground. To be safe, you must stay with your back to the sun at all times.
- Viewing on the website of several organizations that will broadcast the eclipse live, including the Astrolab of Mont-Mégantic National Park .
Direct observation with eclipse glasses
People who choose to view the eclipse directly should protect their eyes at all times by using solar eclipse glasses that meet the international standard ISO 12312-2.
Before using certified glasses, you must:
- ensure that they come from a reliable supplier, either directly from the manufacturer or from a recognized distributor;
- check the lenses and frames for damage before using them;
- know that eclipse glasses can be worn over your usual prescription glasses if they cover the eyes well;
- ensure that only the Sun is visible through the glasses when you are outdoors. If you are indoors, only very strong light sources, such as the filaments of incandescent lamps or some LED lamps, such as the flashlight of smartphones, should be visible through the glasses very dimly.
Remember!
Sunglasses, even those of good quality and with a very dark tint, do not provide sufficient protection for observing the eclipse, even for a few seconds.
Daily indoor activities can be maintained safely if you do not look directly at the sun. Windows, mirrors, and curtains are not safe ways to view the eclipse.
Progress of the solar eclipse in Quebec
The solar eclipse will occur in the skies of Canada, the United States and Mexico. In Quebec, on April 8, the population of all these regions will be able to observe a partial eclipse, more or less important depending on the location. The partial eclipse will begin around 2:11 p.m. and end around 4:45 p.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time), depending on the region. In the Magdalen Islands, the partial eclipse will begin around 3:29 p.m. and end around 5:44 p.m.
Progress of the solar eclipse in the band of totality
The population living in the band of totality, which crosses southern Quebec about 200 km wide, will witness the eclipse in its entirety. In this band, the total solar eclipse will take place between 3:25 p.m. and 3:40 p.m. In the Magdalen Islands, it will take place between 4:37 p.m. and 4:41 p.m. At this time, the Moon will align perfectly between the Sun and Earth, causing a period of darkness.
The cities of Montreal, Sherbrooke, Lac-Mégantic and Cap-aux-Meules are notably included in the total strip which crosses, in whole or in part, the regions of Montreal, Montérégie, Estrie, of Centre-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches and Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
Possible consequences of the solar eclipse on eye health
During a solar eclipse, the many mechanisms that normally protect the eye, such as automatic looking away, the eyelid closing reflex and tearing, are reduced or absent since the luminosity emitted by the Sun is less.
However, since solar radiation is so intense during an eclipse, it can damage the retina of the eye and cause temporary or permanent vision problems. Eye problems can manifest themselves by:
- damage to the retina that does not cause pain upon exposure, but may be irreversible. These lesions create a reduction in vision caused by a permanently blurred or dark spot in the middle of the field of vision. They do not appear immediately, but several hours after observing the Sun;
- damage to the cornea caused by ultraviolet rays. These painful lesions lead to a sharp decline in visual acuity and intolerance to light.
In the event of eye symptoms that develop in the hours or days following viewing the eclipse, it is recommended to consult an eye care professional without delay.
Measures put in place in schools during the solar eclipse
School organizations are responsible for putting in place the necessary conditions to ensure the safety of their students and staff during the duration of the solar eclipse.
If you are a parent of a student, you will be informed by your school of the measures that will be put in place for the day of the eclipse. These measures will notably cover the return home period for students.
If this day is designated as an educational day by your school, the same safety requirements apply. You will be informed of childcare or surveillance services that will be offered to students until the end of the solar eclipse period.
Being outside during the solar eclipse
Being outside during the solar eclipse is not a health hazard if you are not looking directly at the sun. You can practice your usual outdoor activities throughout the duration of the eclipse.
Attention!
Do not be tempted to observe the solar eclipse, even briefly, without being adequately protected. Wearing a hat or cap is preferable.
If you take the road
Driving during the eclipse is safe. However, don’t let this spectacular phenomenon distract you when you are in your car. The windows, even tinted, and the windshield of your vehicle do not provide adequate protection for viewing the eclipse. Do not look directly at the sun or use eclipse glasses as they only allow you to see the sun and therefore cannot be worn while driving.
Do not stop your vehicle on the road or stop on the shoulders to watch the eclipse. The Highway Safety Code must be respected at all times and emergency vehicles must be allowed to circulate.
Traffic congestion and delays are possible in areas where the eclipse will be total as well as near the many gathering sites organized to observe the eclipse. Allow more time than usual to get to your destination. Visit the Québec 511 website or call the 511 number to find out the status of the road network.
Greater demand for the use of charging stations for electric vehicles is also expected in certain sectors. Plan your vehicle’s charging time accordingly.
If you work outside
Respect the following recommendations if you are an external worker to protect your health, your safety and your physical and psychological integrity.
- Do not look directly at the eclipse without appropriate protection for the entire duration of the eclipse;
- For personnel who must direct their gaze toward the sky, it is recommended to keep the sun out of the field of vision (e.g., place their back to the sun);
- Avoid observing or photographing the eclipse through a lens (e.g. cell phone, binoculars, telescope) without a suitable solar filter. Activities with this type of equipment should be postponed until after the eclipse to limit risks.
If you have pets or livestock
Pets are unlikely to look at the sun, so the risk to the eyes is very low. To minimize these risks, you can keep your pet indoors. However, it is possible that your pet will show excitement at the time of the eclipse. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
During a solar eclipse, farm animals can sometimes react as if evening is falling and adopt nocturnal behavior (e.g. returning to the barn or stable, lying down or eating). Others may stop their activities for a few minutes out of curiosity. As with pets, farm animals don’t tend to look at the sun. There is therefore very little risk of damage to their eyes.
