With 15 Days to Go, Canadian Youth Urge Portugal to Prepare for the August 12 Solar Eclipse
Event Overview: The August 12 Solar Eclipse
- Visibility: Most of the country will experience a dramatic deep partial eclipse with the peak coverage in the northern and northeastern regions. Only a very small section of the northeast lies within the path of totality.
- Urgency: With only 15 days remaining until the event, the project is urging families to prepare immediately.
The Fin Whale Eclipse Project
The mission: A youth-led initiative by five Canadian women (Taylor, Ellen, Emilie, Paige, and Maggie) that connects the solar eclipse with the migration of fin whales—the second-largest animals on Earth—through the North Atlantic.
- The philosophy: The project uses the slogan “looking up for the eclipse – and looking out for whales” to promote a shared moment of natural wonder while raising awareness for conservation threats like ship strikes and climate change.
- Proven success: The team previously managed the successful Monarch Butterfly Eclipse Project in North America, which distributed 500,000 glasses and received support from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Safety and Logistics
- Mandatory protection: Regular sunglasses are not adequate. All viewers must use certified solar eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2 and CE certified) to prevent eye damage, even in areas of totality during the partial phases.
- How to obtain them
- https://www.finwhaleeclipse.eu
- Shipping: Glasses are sold in five-packs, fulfilled from an EU warehouse, and include free shipping throughout Portugal and the EU.
- Credibility: The project has been endorsed by wildlife artist Robert Bateman and was featured in Forbes as a trusted source for safe eclipse viewers.
Media and Interviews
The project offers interviews with its youth co-founders and ORCA representatives, as well as educational materials, eclipse maps, and safety documentation for those interested in deeper coverage.
