April 8 is going to be an important day in the city of Kingston.
For the first time in almost 700 years, Kingston, Ont., will be directly in the path of a total solar eclipse. However, looking at this amazing event isn't as easy as just gazing up at the sky.
First, you need to acquire the correct eye protection.
“There’s something called solar retinopathy. When you look at the sun for too long, you can get damage at the sensitive cells at the back of you eye so you can see,” said Rob Knobel, an associate professor at Queen’s University and also the man who is heading up the university’s efforts surrounding the eclipse.
But how do you avoid this? By getting a special pair of glasses called solar glasses which block out almost 100 per cent of light.
Considering this, Queen’s University is distributing 120,000 pairs of solar glasses for free.
Before you go rushing off to see the sun being blocked by the moon, Knobel advised ensuring that the glasses you've purchased meet the necessary standards.
“So what you want to get is glasses that are certified by ISO, international standards association,” said Knobel.
Visit Kingston is also selling special items for the eclipse, including the glasses which can be bought at the visitor information centre.
In addition to Knobel, there are several student ambassadors for the eclipse.
They’re science students who will be at the various viewing spots to provide information on what people are seeing.
“This is totally a once-in-a-lifetime event. Having 100-per cent totality is really rare and I’m really excited to see some of the various effects like Baily’s beads and the corona effect,” said fourth-year engineering physics student Ekin Yelkin.
“It’s a wonderful stroke of fate. It’s incredible that I got into Queen’s right at the time when the eclipse would be here,” added first-year astrophysics graduate student Brandon Shane.
Some individuals may feel the urge to take a photo during the amazing moment of totality, but Knobel cautions that without a proper solar filter to protect your lens, your phone or camera can get seriously damaged.
“You don’t have to take pictures, the pictures are available. Just experience it,” he said.
