65 days to the Total Solar Eclipse!

On Monday, April 8, Hamilton will experience a total solar eclipse for the first time since January 24, 1925.

The next one in Hamilton will be on October 26, 2144, so be sure to be ready for this one!

To witness totality you must be located south of Burlington, and the greater proximity to Buffalo the longer totality lasts. Of course, you can still view a partial eclipse further north, but the show stopping views will only last a fraction of the time. You don't want to miss this once in a lifetime event.

As you had previously signed up for our eclipse mailing list, we are sharing valuable information and links that will help you prepare for the eclipse. We are currently finalizing our plans for a hosted event on location somewhere in the Greater Hamilton area. In the meantime, here are some great resources to make your experience unforgettable.

Information links

This link will help you learn about the Total Solar Eclipse and it shows how to build a pinhole camera if you would like to create one. It is from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

You can also create your own 3D printable solar eclipse coin that you can use like a pinhole camera or make your own "cereal box solar projector".

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has published a link showing the path of totality and a chart of times for selected cities.

This link shows the exact times for viewing the eclipse in or near Hamilton, Ontario. In order to see "Totality" you should be somewhere between Hamilton and Niagara.

The next three are interactive maps that indicate exact times for anywhere in N.A.

https://theskylive.com/solar-eclipse?id=2024-04-08&cc=CA

https://eclipse2024.org/eclipse_cities/statemap.html

https://eclipse2024.org/xavier_redirect.html

Glasses

Hamilton RASC has a supply of eclipse glasses for sale. If you are interested in purchasing any, please contact us at outreach@hamiltonrasc.ca . Also, see below for a special offer from our Club President to get glasses for free as part of a club membership!

You can also order eclipse glasses from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and they should arrive in a week to 10 days. Be sure to order yours before they run out!

https://secure.rasc.ca/store/category/eclipse

You can also order them from these websites...

My Science Shop

Rainbow Symphony

Eclipse Glasses

We do not recommend purchasing eclipse glasses from sellers on Amazon or other online marketplaces. There were reports of people selling (fake) glasses during the last eclipse, potentially causing blindness

A Message (and Offer!) From Our Club President

In the anticipation of the upcoming solar eclipse in the Hamilton area, we are filled with excitement and wonder at the prospect of witnessing and sharing this life-changing celestial event with the community we serve. Recently, some school boards have announced that April 8th, 2024 would be a Professional Development Day and this poses a unique opportunity for our Society to bring programming to the community.

We are all aware of the potential dangers from looking at the Sun without proper eye protection - this danger can not be overstated. With children not being in school this may lead to unattended observations, potentially putting young eyes at risk.

RASC Hamilton is taking proactive steps by securing several hundred pairs of solar glasses, generously sufficient for around 200 families. These solar glasses are an essential accessory, allowing safe and awe-inspiring observations of the eclipse. To make this opportunity accessible, we've devised a simple yet impactful plan:

With the purchase of a 1-year family membership to the Hamilton RASC, you will receive these specially designed solar glasses for free (with a limit of up to five pairs per family). Membership ensures not only access to safe viewing for your family during the eclipse but also extends numerous other benefits such as: being part of a community of like minded enthusiasts, access to loaner equipment free of charge, an annual Observer's Handbook, the opportunity to attend monthly club meetings and listen to engaging speakers as well as joining us on regular observing nights at our Observatory.

Embracing this membership is easy; just follow the link provided:

https://secure.rasc.ca/membership/account/register?member_type=-1

Once you have signed up for your membership, simply contact us at outreach@hamiltonrasc.ca and we will arrange a dedicated session to guide you on making the most of this celestial spectacle with your family. Our aim is not only to provide the means for safe observation but to enhance your overall eclipse experience.

In recognizing the scarcity of solar glasses and the urgency of the situation, we recommend you not wait. The safety of your children is paramount, and this eclipse offers a unique opportunity for a life changing experience.

Act now to secure your solar glasses, and in doing so, join us in fostering a community that values both safety and the pursuit of celestial knowledge.

As we embark on this journey together, let's ensure that the solar eclipse becomes a cherished memory for all the right reasons—a moment of awe, wonder and shared learning. Together, we can make this celestial event an experience enjoyed by everyone.

#SolarEclipseSafety #RASCHamilton #CelestialWonder

Have a great day.

Andy Blanchard
President, Hamilton RASC

 

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