As you may be aware, a solar eclipse is set to unfold on Monday, April 8, 2024. Although the eclipse’s trajectory will have the most significant impact on Southern and Eastern Ontario, people outside this trajectory, in our area, will be able to observe a partial solar eclipse. As we approach the date of the solar eclipse, the Kenora Catholic District School Board (KCDSB) is providing information and safety guidelines for our students, staff, and families.
Schools will remain open and will adopt precautionary steps, including modifying the academic schedule and recess times to ensure student safety. Each school will be communicating specific plans and instructions within their school community prior to the eclipse.
The eclipse is expected to occur between 1:00 PM and 3:10 PM (CST), with the maximum coverage of the sun anticipated around 2:00 PM. It is important to note that our region will not experience a total eclipse; instead, only a portion of the sun will be obscured.
While solar eclipses are fascinating natural phenomena, they also pose potential risks if not viewed safely. The intense sunlight that remains even when the moon partially covers the sun can be harmful to the eyes. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient for looking at a solar eclipse because they do not block the harmful solar radiation.
This solar eclipse offers a wonderful platform for hands-on, experiential learning across various subjects, including science, astronomy, and environmental studies. We look forward to this unique educational opportunity and thank you for your continued partnership.
Resources:
NWHU recommends following the advice of the
Canadian Association of Optometrists to safely enjoy a solar eclipse.
Canadian Space Agency:
Total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 | Canadian Space Agency (asc-csa.gc.ca),
Toolkit for educators
NASA:
About Eclipses,
How to make a box pinhole projector