A reminder that on Monday, April 8, 2024, Northumberland will witness a rare celestial event as a total solar eclipse appears in our skies. The last total eclipse in our area was 400 years ago and the next total eclipse will not come around again until 2399. Because of its rarity, many people will be eager to get a look at the eclipse and it is expected that many visitors will be in our community next week.
To prepare for this phenomenon, we have collaborated with Northumberland County, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and local municipalities to ensure residents and staff are prepared. Out of an abundance of caution, the Town Park Recreation Centre and the Canton Hub (including the library) will be closed to the public on Monday, April 8, 2024, to accommodate emergency preparedness planning. All drop-in and registered programs have been cancelled for this day. Both facilities will resume at their normal operating hours on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
A reminder that residents should always prioritize their personal safety, especially when it involves looking at the sun.
Important safety reminders for those planning to view the eclipse:
- Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, even during partial phases of the eclipse. Certified glasses adhering to the ISO 12312-2 international standard should be worn to prevent eye damage. Inspect glasses for damage before use, and discard if scratched, punctured, or older than three years.
- To ensure a safe and enjoyable viewing experience, residents are encouraged to identify a safe and unobstructed location, check local viewing times, and arrive early to set up equipment and come prepared with supplies. If you plan to view the solar eclipse with friends and family, remember to monitor your respiratory symptoms beforehand to avoid spreading illness to others.
For more information, visit Northumberland.ca/NoCoEclipse.
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