Spring 2024
Mr.Ho’s Workshop for the April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse
For the upcoming April 8 solar eclipse, VP’s teacher Mr.Ho hosted a series of workshops.
As the calendar approaches April 8, 2024, the sky will stage a magnificent celestial phenomenon: the solar eclipse. This unique phenomenon last occurred in North America on August 21, 2017. Recognizing both its significance and the need for safety, the Toronto District School Board decided to align the April PA Day with the day of the solar eclipse.
Amidst the excitement, one of our teachers, Mr.Ho, has taken the initiative to host a series of educational workshops from February to April for staff and students. These workshops aimed to illuminate the astral phenomenon so one can understand the science and procedure when witnessing it.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun at an exact angle, casting a shadow over Earth and turning day into twilight for a short period. Regions over the path of totality (where the Moon completely covers up the sun) and partial totality will include areas in Mexico, America, and Canada, specifically Ontario. This is a spectacle that will occur over Eastern Canada again in 2079 (56 years later) and 2106 (82 years later).
Mr.Ho’s Workshop Highlight
Location
Location is a crucial part of witnessing the solar eclipse, as only parts of Canada will witness the total solar eclipse. In particular, Toronto, ON will only have a partial solar eclipse. Mr.Ho provided different locations to witness this unique phenomenon, with a partial start around 2:05 PM, totality lasting for 3 minutes around 3:20 PM, and a partial end around 4:30 PM.
Hamilton, ON
Kingston, ON
Montreal, QC
Sherbrooke, QC
Weather
Mr.Ho further pointed out the weather on April 8, 2024. Areas in Ontario will witness cloudy skies and perhaps rain. Although the view might be obscured, Mr.Ho ensured one can still observe the eclipse. In particular, bring a jacket, because as the sky darkens, the temperature drops about 5℃.
Safety
The most crucial aspect of solar watching is safety. Looking at the sun’s rays directly for a long period of time can cause serious eye damage. To this end, Mr.Ho provided free solar-viewing glasses. These glasses meet the requirements for ISO 12312-2:2015 Certification and are specifically designed for direct solar viewing. They should be worn during the partial eclipse to witness the changes in the sun but should be taken off during totality to see the best show!
Mr.Ho states “Life is all about experiences, and the experience of totality is something not to be missed…No matter how it turns out, I can guarantee you’ll never forget April 8, 2024.” So, mark your calendars for Mr.Ho’s workshop and the April 8 solar eclipse. Don't miss your chance to be part of this remarkable celestial event!