Hamilton RASC Donates Solar Eclipse Glasses to South Africa for Public Outreach
A year after the incredible April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse in Hamilton, its impact continues to spread joy across the world! Following this awe-inspiring event, the Hamilton chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) launched an initiative to collect used solar eclipse glasses for future educational use. Our goal? To ensure safe solar viewing for people in regions where such equipment is scarce.
A Mission to Share the Cosmos
In collaboration with Astronomers Without Borders, our team carefully sorted and inspected thousands of donated eclipse glasses. We wanted to make sure they were still in excellent condition before passing them along. But this effort wasn’t just about recycling—it was about sharing the magic of the universe and making astronomy more accessible to everyone.
Partnering with South African Astronomers
One of the most exciting outcomes of this initiative was a collaboration with the South African Astronomical Organization. They reached out to request solar eclipse glasses for their public outreach and educational programs, and we were thrilled to help! The glasses were delivered to the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town, where they will be used to safely view solar events, including the upcoming partial solar eclipse on February 17, 2026.
Inspiring Curiosity and Scientific Exploration
This donation is more than just a practical contribution—it’s an opportunity to spread awareness about solar safety and inspire a love for astronomy. We believe celestial events like eclipses spark curiosity and encourage people to explore the wonders of the universe. By providing safe solar viewing equipment, we’re helping to nurture that sense of wonder and scientific discovery.
Looking Ahead
The Hamilton RASC team is proud to play a role in global astronomy education, and we look forward to future opportunities to support similar efforts. Stay tuned for more updates on how the donated glasses are being used and how our community continues to make safe solar viewing accessible to everyone!
Want to get involved? Keep an eye out for future donation drives and initiatives—we’d love for you to join us in sharing the beauty of the cosmos with the world!
