NS Students to Receive Free Eclipse Viewing Glasses
Halifax, Nova Scotia – To celebrate the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th, Discovery Centre, in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, is thrilled to announce the distribution of free and safe eclipse viewing glasses to every provincial school.
The initiative aims to bring the wonders of astronomy directly into classrooms and communities across Nova Scotia, offering students a unique opportunity to witness and learn about this rare celestial event. Each student will receive their own pair of eclipse viewing glasses, ensuring a safe and unforgettable viewing experience, along with educational curriculum-connected videos and resources to be shared in classrooms.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to provide students with the tools they need to safely observe this historic event,” said Ryan Jameson, Director of Science Education at Discovery Centre. “Our goal is to ignite curiosity and inspire a deeper appreciation for astronomy among students of all ages.”
In addition to providing eclipse-focused educational resources for schools, Discovery Centre will also host a community viewing event on April 8th from 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM, to celebrate the eclipse. The event will feature hands-on science activities, astronomy experts, and live viewing stations, offering residents of Halifax and surrounding areas the opportunity to gather and experience the eclipse in a fun and educational environment.
“We invite the entire community to join us at Discovery Centre on April 8th for a day filled with excitement and discovery,” said Dov Bercovici, President and CEO of Discovery Centre. As Atlantic Canada’s Premier Science Centre, we’re thrilled to offer this rare viewing opportunity and spark conversations for generations to come. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply curious about the cosmos, we’re hoping everyone leaves having discovered something new!”
The last total solar eclipse visible throughout Nova Scotia occurred in 1970, and the next event will not be until 2079. This makes the upcoming eclipse on April 8th a truly rare and remarkable event for residents of the province.
Discovery Centre will have free safe viewing glasses available for participants while quantities last. For details on the event and tickets, visit www.thediscoverycentre.ca.
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MEDIA:
If you would like to attend the viewing event or have an interview, please contact:
Leah Veinot
Manager of Marketing & Communications
Discovery Centre
782-414-5195
ABOUT THE ECLIPSE:
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun as it moves along its orbit around the Earth. The Moon blocks light from the Sun, either partially or totally, and casts a shadow on the Earth. The last total solar eclipse visible throughout Nova Scotia was in the year 1970 and the next one won’t be until 2079.
The April 8th eclipse is a total solar eclipse, that is, the Moon will completely block out the Sun at its maximum, plunging those along the path of totality into darkness for a couple minutes and revealing the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona. The path of totality for this eclipse will cut across North America, moving over several locations in Atlantic Canada.
Participants should never look at the Sun without special eye protection. Sunglasses are not appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and are not a replacement for ISO-certified Eclipse Glasses. The solar filters in eclipse glasses are specifically designed to protect eyes from the intense brightness of the Sun. They block out most of the Sun’s light along with ultraviolet and infrared radiation that would otherwise harm eyes. Before viewing the Sun, viewers should check the certification of their eclipse glasses and make sure that they are not damaged; there are no bends, holes or scratches.