On Monday, April 8, 2024, Northumberland will witness a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime celestial spectacle: a total solar eclipse will grace our skies. With this rare event on the horizon, Northumberland County, in conjunction with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit, and local municipalities, is rallying efforts to ensure residents are well-prepared to enjoy this extraordinary phenomenon safely.
Emphasizing the importance of readiness, County Warden Brian Ostrander underscores the necessity for proactive planning and resourcefulness. As the prospect of a significant influx of visitors looms, residents are reminded to stock up on essential supplies like gasoline and groceries as well as those needed for emergency preparedness, to weather any unforeseen circumstances effectively.
Northumberland County Emergency Planning Coordinator Daren says, it’s important to make a plan now.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon interposes itself directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow upon our planet’s surface. This rare occurrence, visible only within the ‘Path of Totality,’ presents an awe-inspiring spectacle for those fortunate enough to witness it firsthand. Given its scarcity-the last total eclipse in our region happened four hundred years ago, with the next one slated for 2399-a surge of eager spectators is anticipated. Amid the anticipation, it’s important that personal safety remain paramount, especially with something that could cause permanent blindness.
Bernie Mayer, Manager of Environmental Health with the HKPR District Health Unit, underscores the crucial imperative of safeguarding one’s vision. Stressing the inherent dangers of gazing at the Sun unshielded, Mayer advocates using certified solar eclipse glasses, which have specialized filters designed to avert retinal burns, blurred vision, and vision loss.
According to Burke, protecting your eyes is his biggest concern.
As anticipation builds, preparations are underway to ensure a seamless viewing experience for residents. The ‘Path of Totality’ is projected to span approximately 180 kilometers wide, with areas in southern part of Northumberland, like Brighton, Cobourg and Port Hope, poised to enjoy the eclipse’s full splendor. However, even those residing further north can anticipate a partial eclipse-a spectacle only slightly less spectacular.
Burke is expecting big crowds.
With the eclipse’s start slated for 2:06 p.m., residents wishing to view the event are advised to equip themselves with certified solar eclipse glasses adhering to the ISO 12312-2 international standard. These glasses, engineered to filter out harmful solar radiation, are indispensable safeguards against ocular damage.
To facilitate residents’ preparations, Northumberland County has launched a comprehensive webpage offering invaluable guidance on safety measures and strategic planning at 2024 Total Solar Eclipse – Northumberland County.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
