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," saidTom Sobocan, public relations director for the Royal Astronomical Society'sWindsor 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 aperiod 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.

TheEssexregion"will be the firstregionin 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 inadvertentlylooking at the eclipse, Sobocansays tofaceaway 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 Countyis better positioned,according to Sobocan.

He listed Colchester, Point Pelee, Kingsvilleand Point Peleeas places to be in the county.

There's also anotherconsiderationfor 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, beginningWednesday night in LaSalle.

On the big day itself, ERCAis hosting twoviewing parties. One, at theJohn R. Park Homesteadin Essex, is a family-friendly event called the Total Eclipse of the Park.

The other event,Celest-Fest at the Beach, is happening atHoliday Beach ConservationArea 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'sdirector of communications andoutreach, 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.