Tips for Observing the Total Solar Eclipse in Canada
On Monday, April 8th, the moon's shadow will block out the sun in a once in a lifetime total solar eclipse. This rare celestial event presents a
unique opportunity for Canadians to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. However, it also brings with it potential risks to eye health.The path of totality will traverse eastern Canada, offering an unparalleled view of the eclipse. While many may be eager to witness this extraordinary phenomenon firsthand, it is imperative that precautions are taken to safeguard vision.
Directly viewing the sun, particularly during a solar eclipse, can pose serious risks to eye health. As such, we urge all Canadians to prioritise safety and follow the guidelines outlined by NASA for safe eclipse viewing.
It is essential to use proper eye protection, such as solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers, to prevent damage to the eyes. Additionally, alternative methods, such as indirect viewing through pinhole projectors or solar filters, can provide a safer viewing experience. The OAC is committed to ensuring the well-being of Canadians' vision. According to Zeiss, the eyes are the most important organ of sense in the entire human body with over 80% of our impressions being received by sight. Let's keep them from getting damaged by taking the necessary safety measures during this historic event.
“You can wear eclipse glasses to safely view the Sun during the partial eclipse phases of a solar eclipse, before and after totality.” - NASA/Mamta Patel Nagaraja
- View the Sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.
- You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the Moon completely obscures the Sun’s bright face – during the brief and spectacular period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the Sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)
- As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright Sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the Sun.
