How Safely to View the April 8, 2024, Eclipse

For the first time in 91 years, a total solar eclipse will take place in the skies over Montreal and Sherbrooke on April 8, 2024. This extremely rare phenomenon will cover parts of Quebec in total darkness right in the middle of the afternoon, between 11:43 a.m. and 4:52 p.m. To make the most of it, here’s everything you need to know to protect the health of your eyes and prepare yourself properly for this long-awaited celestial event. 

What is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, partially or completely obscuring the sun’s light. For a moment, day turns into night as the moon blocks out the sun’s light creating a breathtaking phenomenon in the sky and a strange darkness blankets those on earth. 

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Is it Dangerous to Watch a Solar Eclipse?

Looking directly at the sun is dangerous in itself, so looking directly at a solar eclipse without adequate eye protection is just as dangerous. Intense sunlight can cause permanent damage to your eyes, including retinal burns, blurred vision and even temporary or permanent blindness. 

Looking directly at a solar eclipse without eye protection can lead to a condition called “solar retinopathy”, where the intense light damages the sensitive cells of the retina. Symptoms may not appear immediately, but can include blurred vision, dark spots in the field of vision and light sensitivity.

How to Watch an Eclipse Safely?

The only safe way to view a solar eclipse is by wearing specially designed solar protection equipment such as a pair of ISO-certified eclipse glasses. These glasses are fitted with special, almost completely opaque filters that block the harmful light from the sun, allowing safe viewing of the eclipse.

• Make sure to purchase eclipse protection glasses from a specialty scientific shop carrying ISO 12312-2 certification. 
• Ensure that the telescope filter is intact and void of holes, cracks or disbanding.
• Plan to purchase your glasses in advance! Given the rarity of the event, stocks will run out quickly in specialty shops.

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Can I Watch the Eclipse Without Protection?

It is important to never look directly at a solar eclipse without protection, even when it is partially obscured. While some sources state that it is possible to view an eclipse for the few seconds of total darkness when the moon completely covers the solar disc, however, eye health specialists strongly recommend not to take any chances and only directly view the eclipse through ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses.

The protective eyewear can be removed to look away from the sun: the surrounding darkness created during the total eclipse is indeed spectacular, a truly exhilarating sight to be seen at least once in your lifetime!