How to safely watch a solar eclipse

Uploaded on February 21, 2024

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How to safely watch a solar eclipse

2024-02-21 - Learn about safe practices for observing a solar eclipse. To prevent serious eye damage, always avoid direct eye contact with the Sun, especially during a solar eclipse. Use special glasses with eclipse filters, as regular sunglasses won't offer sufficient protection. Prioritize your eye health while enjoying the beautiful spectacle of a solar eclipse. (Credits: Canadian Space Agency, NASA)

On April 8, 2024, if you live in eastern Canada, you'll be able to observe a spectacular astronomical phenomenon:  a total solar eclipse.

Eclipse or not, you shouldn't look at the Sun directly with the naked eye, or with a camera or telescope without a solar filter.

This can lead to irreversible eye damage.

There are several ways to enjoy the show to the fullest in complete safety.

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. Part of Earth then finds itself in the Moon's shadow.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the solar disk for an observer in the eclipse path.

To protect your eyes, wear special glasses with certified filters.

Your ordinary sunglasses are very fashionable, but they won't protect your eyes sufficiently.

If you are in the path of totality, day will turn into night for a moment.

You'll have the chance to see the Sun's famous corona, the outer layer of the Sun's atmosphere.

Only then can you remove your glasses. And that's for one to three minutes, when the Sun is completely hidden.

But you'll have to put your glasses back on before the end of the totality.

If you are outside the path of totality, the Sun will be only partially hidden. You'll need to wear your glasses at all times.

April 8, 2024, get ready! Because in Canada, the next total solar eclipse won't be visible until 2044!

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