FESTIVALS & EVENTS
2024 Solar Eclipse
Solar Eclipse
Timeline
The solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8, 2024 from approximately 2 pm to 4:30 pm
- The partial eclipse begins at 2:03 pm
- The total eclipse is at 3:18 pm and will last approximately 90 seconds
- The partial eclipse will end at 4:31 pm
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the City of Hamilton will be in the path of a total solar eclipse. From approximately 2 pm to 4:30 pm, Hamilton will be in “the path of totality,” where the sun appears to be entirely covered by the moon for a short period.
People in the path of totality will be able to see sun features generally not visible during this period. Another total eclipse will not be seen in Hamilton for another 120 years.
With Hamilton being one of the few communities in Southern Ontario in the path of totality, we expect that the number of people in Hamilton will increase to view the eclipse, resulting in more traffic, distraction, and congestion, increasing the risk for motor vehicle accidents.
The City’s Tourism & Culture Division has designated viewing sites for visitors. The preferred viewing sites were selected for visitors to Hamilton based on their capacity to accommodate large crowds, accessibility features, availability of amenities, and suitability for eclipse viewing. We encourage Hamiltonians to experience the eclipse from their homes.
Viewing this event is weather-dependent, and the eclipse will not be viewable if cloud cover is present.
Safety Information
- Even though the moon is blocking the sun, looking at the eclipse is still very dangerous and can cause temporary or permanent damage to your eyes.
- It is not safe to look at the sun without approved eye protection. Viewing glasses that meet the international standard ISO 12312-2 are considered safe for viewing an eclipse. Ensure that eclipse glasses fully cover your field of vision. Regular sunglasses will not protect people’s eyes.
- Free ISO 12312-2 glasses are available to the public at the Tourism Hamilton Visitor Experience Centre, Hamilton Public Library locations, Civic Museums and all Recreation Centres excluding Jimmy Thompson Pool and Sir Wilfred Laurier Recreation Centre. Glasses are available only while supplies last. *Note: All advance solar eclipse glasses have been distributed.
- If you are driving during the eclipse:
- Be aware of pedestrians, particularly those who may be distracted by the eclipse.
- Give extra time for travel to activities.
- Do not look at the sun or try to take photos while driving.
- Do not stop your vehicle to view the eclipse.
- Children should always be supervised during eclipses as they may not fully comprehend the risks involved.
- If appropriate eye protection is not available, alternate viewing strategies should be considered, such as an eclipse box or a LiveStream.
- If you are experiencing blindness after viewing the eclipse (immediate or delayed), seek emergency care immediately.
solar eclipse
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. It can block all (total eclipse) or part of the sun (partial eclipse). On April 8 Hamilton will be in the path of a total eclipse.
A total solar eclipse is a rare event. This eclipse will be the first total solar eclipse to be visible in the provinces of Canada since February 26, 1979. It will be the only total solar eclipse in the 21st century where totality will be visible in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
No. Only viewing glasses that meet the international standard ISO 12312-2 are considered safe for viewing an eclipse. Ordinary polarized sunglasses, most welding glasses and tinted windows will not provide adequate eye protection.
Even though the moon is blocking the sun, looking at any part of the eclipse is still very dangerous and can cause temporary or permanent damage to your eyes. You may experience injury 12-48 hours after the eclipse via blurred vision or vision loss. If you experience any problems with your eyes or vision after the eclipse, see your eye doctor as soon as possible.
It is also important to protect your skin; harmful UV rays are still present; apply sunscreen if you will be outdoors.
Anyone viewing the eclipse is welcome to seek out the proper eye protection for the eclipse. The City has been allocated ISO 12312-2 glasses by the Physics Department at the University of McMaster and are available in advance at libraries, the Visitor Experience Centre, recreation centres and museums.
*Note: All advance solar eclipse glasses have been distributed.
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board have declared April 8 a Professional Activity Day, closing all schools that day.
Road closures will only occur in the event of safety issues, and those decisions will be made by Hamilton Police Services. Information on road closures will be shared on Tourism Hamilton and the City of Hamilton’s social media channels.
Viewing this event is weather-dependent, and the eclipse will not be viewable if cloud cover is present.
Glasses can be re-used as long as the lenses are not damaged and they meet the safety standards. Should anyone wish to dispose of the glasses, they are encouraged to remove the lenses before recycling the cardboard frames, the lenses can then be thrown in the garbage.
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