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What Nigerians In US, Canada, Mexico Should Not Do During Solar Eclipse In April 8

Published

1 year ago

April 6, 2024

As the total solar eclipse is going to happen on April 8, 2024, in North America, Nigerians living in Mexico, the United States (US), and Canada, are enjoined to take note of certain things to avoid.

The total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean, which will occur when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, blocking out the sun’s light partially or entirely.

The solar eclipse has always been seen as an important celestial event and has thrilled human beings for centuries.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon, in its orbit around the Earth, places itself directly between the Earth and the Sun.

Meanwhile, as the United States, Canada, and Mexico prepare for the solar eclipse, there are precautions for the people who will experience it including Nigerians residing in these North American countries.

A report said, “The Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean.

“Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. The path of the eclipse continues from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

“Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. The eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.”

Meanwhile, below are the things to do and not do during an eclipse in the US, Canada, and Mexico:

Use eye protection

Staring directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage. People to experience it are advised to use specially designed solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers to protect their eyes from harmful rays.

Take care of your pets

While humans now have access to abundant information, animals may become confused or agitated during an eclipse due to the sudden change in light. So, Nigerians in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are enjoined to keep their pets indoors or in a secure location to prevent them from harming themselves or running away.

Take photographs with safety

If you have decided to capture the eclipse with your camera or your smartphone, make sure to take proper precautions with that too. Make sure you have a solar filter to protect your device’s lens and your eyes. Never look directly at the sun through a camera or binoculars without appropriate filters.

Enjoy the moment

A solar eclipse is a rare and awe-inspiring event. And so if your thoughts and beliefs allow you to, take the time to appreciate this beauty of nature and the wonders of the universe, but with proper protection.

What to NOT do during the eclipse

Don’t look directly at the sun
Citizens and foreigners like Nigerians in the US, Mexico, and Canada should not look directly at the sun during the total eclipse. Myths, beliefs and superstitions apart, staring at the sun during an eclipse, even for a few seconds, can cause severe eye damage or blindness. Always use proper eye protection or indirect viewing methods.

Don’t use unfiltered devices

Seeing the eclipse through smartphones, cameras, or telescopes without adequate solar filters can result in irreversible damage to the equipment and pose a risk to your eyesight as well. So, make sure to have the right equipment.

Don’t look for do-it-yourself options

While it is tempting to explore and experiment, try not to when your eyesight and your camera or other device are at stake. Homemade filters, such as smoked glass, CDs, or sunglasses, are not safe for viewing a solar eclipse and these makeshift filters do not provide sufficient protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

Don’t panic

Although there are many different myths and beliefs associated with the Solar eclipse, in the age of information, it is better to not panic. There is no need to panic or fear during an eclipse. As long as you follow certain safety guidelines and stay informed, no harm can happen due to the moon blocking the sun.

VANGUARD

Related Topics:#US Canada Mexico Nigerians US Eclipse

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Israel-Palestine Conflict: Nigeria, 141 Countries Endorse Two-State Solution

Published

3 hours ago

September 13, 2025

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Nigeria on Friday joined 141 other countries to endorse New York Declaration on two-State solution between Israel and Palestine at the UN headquarters in New York.

Applause rang out in the UN General Assembly Hall as countries endorsed the declaration on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and implementation of the two-State solution with Israel.

The New York Declaration is the outcome of an international conference held in July at UN Headquarters, organised by France and Saudi Arabia, which resumes later this month.

The General Assembly comprises all 193 UN Member States and 142 countries voted in favour of a resolution backing the document.

Israel voted against it, alongside nine other countries: Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga and the United States, while 12 nations abstained.

Prior to the vote, French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont recalled that the New York Declaration “lays out a single roadmap to deliver the two-State solution”.

This involves an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages held there, and the establishment of a Palestinian State that is both viable and sovereign.

The roadmap further calls for the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from governance in Gaza, normalisation between Israel and the Arab countries, as well as collective security guarantees.

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I Won’t Allow His Movement To Die, Charlie Kirk’s Widow Vows

Published

4 hours ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

Erika Kirk, widow of prominent right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, has vowed to continue her husband’s work after US authorities confirmed the arrest of his alleged assassin.

A grieving Erika, in a live video on Friday, paid tribute to her late husband, describing him as “the perfect father…the perfect husband.”

“The evil-doers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done.

“The movement my husband built will not die. It won’t. I refuse to let that happen,” she added.

Tribune Online reports that the suspected killer of Kirk has been identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed that a suspect had been arrested after a massive manhunt.

“Somebody very close to him turned him in,” Trump told Fox News in a live studio interview.

“The person was involved with law enforcement, but was a person of faith, a minister, and brought him to a US Marshal who was fantastic.

“They drove into the police headquarters, and he’s there now.”

He added: “We have the person that we think is the person we’re looking for.”

Kirk, 31, who was known for rallying youth support for Trump, was shot dead on Wednesday during an appearance at a Utah university.

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California Lawmakers Approve Ban On Face Masks For Authorities

Published

4 hours ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

California lawmakers in the United States have approved a bill that would prevent most law enforcement officers from covering their faces while on duty.

According to ABC News, the measure follows a series of immigration raids in Los Angeles.

This is the first bill of its kind to pass a state legislature, though similar proposals have been introduced in Congress and in states such as Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

The California Legislature, controlled by Democrats, passed the bill on Thursday as part of a broader response to immigration enforcement actions.

If signed into law, the bill would prohibit local and federal officers, including immigration agents, from using neck gaiters, ski masks and other facial coverings while carrying out official duties. Exceptions include undercover work, protective medical masks and tactical gear.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California has about a month to decide whether to sign it. He has criticised the use of masks by federal agents but in July questioned whether the state has the authority to regulate them. His office said Friday it does not usually comment on pending bills.

According to supporters, the legislation is needed, especially after the Supreme Court this week allowed the federal government to continue large-scale immigration operations in Los Angeles.

Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, vice chair of the Latino caucus, said the ruling is “effectively allowing federal agents stop suspects based solely on their race, language, or job.”

“How is anyone supposed to reasonably believe that they are law enforcement officers and not masked individuals trying to kidnap you?” he said before the vote. “Imagine the absolute fear of being pulled over at gunpoint by a group of masked individuals.”

Backers also cited constitutional law expert Erwin Chemerinsky of the University of California, Berkeley, who argued that federal employees must still follow state laws unless doing so prevents them from performing their duties. “ICE agents have never before worn masks when apprehending people, and that never has posed a problem. Nor have other officers of local, state and federal law enforcement faced dangers from the public because they don’t wear masks in the streets,” he wrote in an opinion piece for the Sacramento Bee.

Republicans and law enforcement groups strongly opposed the bill, saying it puts officers at risk.

“Bad guys wear masks because they don’t want to get caught. Good guys wear masks because they don’t want to get killed,” said Republican state Sen. Kelly Seyarto on Thursday.

The use of masks by immigration agents has deepened the divide between those who oppose Trump-era enforcement policies and those who support them.

Trump administration officials defended the practice, saying agents have faced growing harassment in public and online. They argue covering their faces helps protect officers and their families. Democrats and several state attorneys general counter that the masks cause public fear and should be banned.