Important safety info for the partial solar eclipse April 8

As many of you are no doubt aware, a partial solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8, from 10:43 am until approximately 12:20 pm. This is a relatively rare event, with people likely curious and wanting to witness the event first hand.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has advised that it is crucial to avoid looking directly at the sun during the eclipse, especially for children, as their eyes let more light into the retina than adult eyes. Young children also may not fully understand the risks or be able to follow safety directives and may require more supervision. In order to avoid the risk of permanent damage, VCH states that it is reasonable to keep students indoors during the eclipse and put the blinds down.

While the forecast is for clouds and light showers in the morning on Monday, the possibility exists that we will be able to witness this event. If skies clear on Monday morning, public health is recommending that students, especially young children, are kept inside. Depending on our local conditions, outdoor time for students may be limited for improved safety. 

For those who would like to witness this event, NASA is offering an opportunity to watch the solar eclipse live online.

For more information on the eclipse, including safety considerations and precautions, please see refer to resources developed by the Canadian Space Agency and Canadian Association of Optometrists.