URGENT NOTICE: Eclipse Glasses Distributed by Lambton County Library
Lambton County Library was recently informed by their supplier of their original order of eclipse glasses may have been defective.
On Sunday, April 7, the Library ensured all locations have the new, ISO approved glasses. However they are recommending that patrons who received an early pair from Lambton County Library BEFORE Monday, April 8 contact the location where they received the glasses to see if any of the new shipment are available for exchange.
For all questions related to Eclipse Glasses provided by the Library, contact them at 519-845-3324.
For a full list of ISO approved solar viewers and filters, click here.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be a solar eclipse when the Moon moves between the Sun and the Earth. In Lambton County, our area will experience a partial solar eclipse between 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., with the peak happening at approximately 3:15 p.m. That’s when most of the Sun’s light will be covered by the Moon.
It is not safe to look at the Sun without proper eye protection. Even looking at a small sliver of the Sun during a solar eclipse can be harmful to vision and could cause:
- Retinal burns;
- Blurred vision;
- Temporary vision loss;
- Permanent eyesight loss.
Since the retinas of the eyes do not have pain sensors, eye damage from looking at the Sun may not be immediately apparent (can take 12-48 hours to appear).
How to Protect Your Eyes During a Solar Eclipse
Do not look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection during a solar eclipse. If you want to look at the solar eclipse, only use solar eclipse glasses with specialized filters that meet international standard ISO 12312-2. Ensure all parts of vision are protected, and that filters are placed on and off well before and after viewing the solar eclipse. Regular sunglasses or homemade filters will not protect the eyes. Do not use the filters if you’re unsure about its safety. Do not use filters appearing wrinkled or damaged, or that make the Sun appear very bright, out of focus, or hazy.
Do not look at the Sun through a camera or phone camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.
Seeking Care after the Solar Eclipse
If you begin to experience blurred vision, eyesight loss, or temporary visual loss during or after the event, speak to your eye care professional (e.g., your optometrist) or your health care provider as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing blindness after viewing the eclipse (immediate or delayed), seek emergency care immediately.
How to Learn About and Experience the Solar Eclipse Event in Other Ways
Consider other ways to experience the solar eclipse without looking at the Sun:
- An eclipse box/pinhole projector (Sample instructions can be found HERE)
- Live Stream the event on a computer, which will provide safe indirect observation of the solar eclipse, even on a cloudy day.
- Keep a close eye on children during a solar eclipse to ensure they do not inadvertently look up at the Sun without proper eye protection.
- Consider altering travel and activities on the day of the solar eclipse to accommodate for possible increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Planning Considerations
If planning to travel to areas where the total solar eclipse will occur, please remember driving safety tips:
- Do not stop on shoulders;
- Any photographs should be taken in a safe area, far away from traffic;
- Turn on headlights in dark conditions;
- Watch out for pedestrians.
Additional Resources