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McMaster and Hamilton-area libraries distributing glasses ahead of April 8 total eclipse

McMaster University is partnering with libraries in Hamilton and surrounding areas to provide free glasses so that people can safely view the solar eclipse on April 8. As of Thursday, people with a library card could pick up one pair per person at a Hamilton public library.

You should never look at the sun without proper protective eyewear: Hamilton Public Library

CBC News ·
A pair of black paper glasses sit on a library counter.
Glasses approved for viewing the solar eclipse on April 8 are now available from the Hamilton Public Library, provided by McMaster University Faculty of Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy. (Eva Salinas/CBC)

McMaster University's Department of Physics and Astronomy is partnering with libraries in Hamilton and surrounding areas to provide free glasses so that people can safely view the solar eclipse on April 8.

As of Thursday, people could pick up one pair per person at a Hamilton public library as long as they have a library card. 

Glasses will also be available after the following dates:

  • Haldimand public libraries: Feb. 22.
  • McMaster University libraries: Feb. 26.
  • Burlington public libraries: March 4
  • Six Nations Public Library: March 4.
  • Brantford public libraries: March 4.
  • Norfolk public libraries: TBD.

Hamilton Public Library (HPL) is reminding residents that while the eclipse is fascinating, it is important to guard against damage to your eyes. 

"You should never look at the sun without proper protection. During most of the total solar eclipse, you should only look directly at the sun if you are using protective eyewear," HPL said on its website.

Eclipse glasses are specially designed to block 99.9 per cent of sunlight, making them ideal for viewing the eclipse.

A black disk is surrounded by orange-yellow light.
The moon passes in front of the sun for a total solar eclipse visible from Farmington, Mo., Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. Experts are reminding eclipse viewers to ensure they have the proper eye protection for watching the event on April 8. (Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune/The Associated Press)

As the date of the eclipse approaches, there appears to be a huge demand for eclipse glasses. In a notice on its website, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada said it's completely sold out of the glasses.

Meanwhile, in Hamilton on the day of the eclipse, the sun will be completely hidden for about two minutes starting at 3:18 p.m., according to the Canadian Space Agency. However, it will be at least partially covered from about 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1st total eclipse in Hamilton since 1925

The Hamilton and Niagara areas will offer some of the best spots to view the rare total eclipse. 

Some school boards in cities along the path of the total eclipse have cancelled school that day so children aren't leaving class around the time of the eclipse, due to safety concerns. 

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) trustees approved rescheduling a professional activity (PA) day — originally scheduled for March 1 — for April 8 in order to keep children at home. 

The board's approved change means that on April 8, public school staff in Hamilton will be working, but there will be no school for elementary or high school students. 

The April 8 eclipse will be Hamilton's first total solar eclipse since 1925. The next will occur in 2144.

With files from Justin Chandler

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