On April 8th at around 15:30 an incredible event will happen above certain parts of North America: a total solar eclipse.
This beautiful event only happens when the new moon lines up perfectly with the sun and casts a shadow on certain parts of the Earth. This time, it will only be visible from Canada, The United States, and Mexico. Although this event is fascinating, you should not observe it with the naked eye and without the necessary preparation. It is important to remember that eclipses can damage your eyes just like the sun will if you stare at it without proper eye protection. Staring at the eclipse for a short time can permanently damage your retina and other vital parts of your eyes.
The equipment needed to enjoy this incredible event are solar viewing glasses or equipment rated as eclipse-safes like special solar viewing telescopes or certified solar filters. You should avoid looking at this event through a regular telescope or binoculars. The concentrated rays are powerful enough to burn cardboard, so your eyes could sustain injuries or even blindness. If you try to build your own solar protection, make sure that the materials used are safe and well-assembled, or you might risk permanent injury. Regular sunglasses will not suffice, even if you put on multiple of them the sun’s rays will still pass through.
If the weather allows it, you should be able to view certain stars and planets if you are in the path of the moon’s shadow. The best locations to view the eclipse are in the surroundings of Sherbrook, Fredericton, and the southern parts of the province. multiple schools throughout the province have decided to close their doors so students can fully appreciate the eclipse. Others have decided to provide eclipse glasses to students so they can enjoy it at school.
This event is a rare occurrence for which you should take the time to prepare adequately to enjoy it to the fullest. You will not get any other chance for many years, so preparation is key. It is one of the rarest, most impressive, and most surreal events that can be observed by anyone lucky enough to be in its path.
