While Toronto won’t get a total solar eclipse tomorrow like our neighbours to the south, we’ll still be treated to a partial one. In Toronto, the partial eclipse will happen between 1:10 p.m. and 3:49 p.m., with peak coverage at 2:30 p.m. About 75 per cent of the sun will be covered. Looking at the sun is always a bad idea and don’t be fooled into thinking it’s safe just because part of the sun is blocked by the moon. You’ll still need protective safety glasses. Astronomers says with about 20 per cent of the sun still visible, it’s enough to cause eye damage. In Canada, Victoria residents will get the best view of the celestial event. In the States, the best spot is Oregon all the way to South Carolina. Experts are warning not to look directly at the sun tomorrow afternoon during the partial eclipse. They add that looking through your camera phone without a proper filter can also result in damage. To be safe, cover the phone camera lens with special eclipse glasses but they’re hard to find as most are sold out in advance of the big celestial event. It’s best to photograph the eclipse using a digital SLR cameras, don’t look through the viewfinder. Optometrist Dr. Kevin Anderson says the next best thing other than the special safety goggles, is either welders glasses or a homemade viewing box. But don’t look to the sky without protection.

Here are some places to check out the partial eclipse in Toronto

Ontario Science Centre
York University’s Lions Stadium
Princess Margaret Fountain at the CNE

If viewing outside the city, check out
The Riverwood Conservancy in Mississauga
Richmond Hill Public Library

A team researchers at Georgia Tech has created an original music composition for the eclipse. The eerie track that allows the visually impaired to experience the celestial event uses drums and synthesized tones to symbolize the movements of the sun and moon. The Georgia Tech team will use live data to add more musical instruments to the existing piece. Check it out here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/arckqi78grmudrt/Eclipse_sonification_2-with-text-v4.mp4?dl=0