Essex County will be first in Canada to see the solar eclipse. Here's how to watch it

A total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of North America next month, and as mainland Canada's southernmost region, Essex County will get to see it first.

"We're hoping for clear skies so that we can see this incredible phenomenon during the day," said Tom Sobocan, public relations director for the Royal Astronomical Society's Windsor chapter.

Here's what you need to know to take in this rare sight:

What is a total solar eclipse, anyway?

During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes in front of the sun, creating a period of darkness that lasts for a few minutes. During this event, a ring of light from the sun remains visible.

While eclipses happen nearly every year, you'd have to go to where they are visible in order to take them in, Sobocan says.

"For most of us, this will be a once-in-a lifetime chance and experience to see a total solar eclipse," he said.

According to the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), the eclipse starts at 1:59 p.m. on April 8 and ends at 4:29 p.m. The total eclipse will take place from 3:13 to 3:17 p.m.

The Essex region "will be the first region in mainland Canada to experience this natural phenomenon," ERCA said in a media release.

Why can't I look at the eclipse?

The Canadian Space Agency says that specially designed eclipse glasses are required to prevent damage to your eyes — sunglasses won't cut it.

You can also make an eclipse projector out of a cardboard box that will allow you to safely view the event.

"Your retina doesn't have any pain receptors," Sobocan said. "It only has light receptors, and you will end up burning an image of the partial phase of the eclipse sun into your eye and that will lead to permanent eye damage."

To prevent inadvertently looking at the eclipse, Sobocan says to face away from the sun when putting on and removing your glasses.

"I recommend that you practise this before eclipse day, so that you get comfortable with it." he said.

The Royal Astronomical Society in Windsor is selling the glasses for $2 a pair.

Where to watch

Windsor will not get complete coverage, but Essex County is better positioned, according to Sobocan.

He listed Colchester, Point Pelee, Kingsville and Point Pelee as places to be in the county.

There's also another consideration for eclipse watchers — other people who want to do the same thing.

"You should plan to get on the road early because there will be traffic jams. Maybe take the day off from work if you have a chance," he said.

Schools in the Catholic and public English school boards in Windsor-Essex are closing early.

Eclipse events in Windsor-Essex

The Royal Astronomical Society is doing a series of eclipse presentations this month throughout Windsor and Essex County, beginning Wednesday night in LaSalle. 

On the big day itself, ERCA is hosting two viewing parties. One, at the John R. Park Homestead in Essex, is a family-friendly event called the Total Eclipse of the Park.

The other event, Celest-Fest at the Beach, is happening at Holiday Beach Conservation Area in Amherstburg, where totality will be 99.99 per cent, according to ERCA.

"Guests will be encouraged to pay attention to their surroundings as animals like birds that are usually silent at night may abruptly stop singing, and insects like crickets that are active at night may start chirping," Danielle Breault Stuebing, ERCA's director of communications and outreach, said in a media release.

"This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to witness first-hand how much of an impact the sun has on the planet and its inhabitants."

Solar glasses are part of the ticket price for these events.

Hillman Marsh Conservation area, in the path of totality in Leamington, will also be open for viewing but parking is limited.