Safety tips for the upcoming solar eclipse

Monday, April 8th, promises to be a day to remember. A spectacular natural phenomenon, a total solar eclipse, will occur. The Moon will be perfectly aligned between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out the sun’s rays entirely.  This short period of time is called the moment of totality. 

Once in a lifetime event 

Montreal hasn’t experienced a total solar eclipse since 1932. This rare celestial event will be visible beginning around 2:11 p.m. The moment of totality, when the Sun is fully hidden by the Moon, will happen between 3:25 and 3:40 p.m., and the Moon will recede or move away from the sun by 4:45 p.m. 

Do not look directly at the sun during the entire period of the solar eclipse (2:11 p.m.  to  4:45 p.m.). It is critically important to take safety precautions to avoid permanent damage to your eyes before and after a total solar eclipse. 

How can you watch an eclipse? 

While we are fortunate to witness this breath-taking astronomical event, you need to prepare carefully if you want to watch it. The Sun’s rays are powerful and even though the sky will go dark, the rays are still strong and can burn your retinas (the nerve tissue at the back of your eyes).  

Safe viewing tips: 

• Wear protective eye gear. To be safe, these glasses must meet international standards, ISO 12312-2 to be exact.  
• Use an indirect viewing method for the big moment. Here is a recommended guide to help you build your own eclipse projector. 

Never look at an eclipse with the naked eye. Do not watch the solar eclipse through a window, even if it has a blind or curtain.  Looking through a window is no different than being outside.

Here is a list of gear you shouldn’t use to watch the eclipse. 

• sunglasses 
• cell phone
• polarizing filters (used in photography) 
• x-ray film 
• old CD’s or DVD’s 

For more information, visit the Quebec government website, which offers tips on how to prepare.  

You can find more educational content here.