Queen’s distributes solar eclipse glasses to community

To ensure members of the campus and Kingston community can view the upcoming total solar eclipse safely and effectively, Queen’s will distribute 120,000 certified eclipse glasses to these groups. The Queen’s-branded glasses are being provided at no cost, as part of the university’s educational and science outreach activity celebrating this rare celestial event.

Beginning Monday, March 25, certified eclipse glasses will be available on campus to members of the Queen’s community (staff, faculty, and students) and distributed on a one-per-person basis. Students residing in Queen’s University residences will have access to glasses through their resident dons.

The Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy has also partnered with Kingston Frontenac Public Library to offer free glasses to local community members through the library branches.

Elementary and high school staff and students in Kingston will have access to Queen’s eclipse glasses through their respective school boards, including the Limestone District School Board, Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, and local private schools. The Department of Physics is leading local community outreach around the eclipse, aiming to provide education across 80 local schools, generate excitement, and outline safety measures as part of the eclipse ambassador program in the weeks leading up to April 8.

Eclipse glasses will be available at the following designated distribution points, ensuring widespread accessibility for the Queen’s and Kingston community.

Scan the glasses' QR code to visit the Queen’s Physics Eclipse website for more safety details.

Queen’s pick-up locations (Queen's ID required):

- Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street
, 93 University Avenue
, 511 Union Street
– Fleming Hall, Stewart Pollock Wing, 78 Fifth Field Company Lane
, 101 Union Street
– first floor of the Queen’s Centre, 284 Earl Street
– Mitchell Hall, 69 Union Street
– Miller Hall, 36 Union Street

Kingston Frontenac Public Library branches:

Please note that as of April 4, all Kingston library locations have run out of glasses and viewers. We thank the community for their interest in this event!

, 5998 Arden Road
, 88 Wright Crescent
, 130 Johnson Street
, 1011 Little Pond Road
, 5597 Highway 38
, 50 Baseline Road
, 935 Gardiners Road
, 1045 Mill Road
, 1282 Wagarville Road
, 80 Gore Road
, 6638 Buckshot Lake Road
, 85 MacCauley Street
, 1037 Robert Street
, 3910 Battersea Road
, 4412 Wheatley Street
, 10 Highway 95

How to use the glasses:

To safely experience the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, it is imperative to adhere to recommended guidelines and take necessary precautions. Ensure your safety by using certified solar eclipse glasses that adhere to the safety standard when observing a solar eclipse. Directly looking at the Sun without adequate shielding can lead to permanent vision damage or blindness. Always put your glasses on before looking at the Sun. Once actively engaged in observing the eclipse, glasses must remain on.

The only exception to this rule is during the brief period of “totality” when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s light for approximately three minutes. During full totality, it is safe to temporarily remove your eclipse glasses, but remember to put them back on before totality ends to continue observing safely. Always supervise children while they use solar viewing glasses or eclipse viewers. Parents should be aware that it is crucial to closely monitor children, ensuring that the glasses are securely and correctly positioned over their eyes.

If you are unsure about safety, it is recommended to attend an official eclipse event on April 8, 2024, led by qualified experts.

For more information, resources, and updates on community activities, including an , please visit the Queen’s eclipse website.