Skip to main content
Future Students Alumni Library Athletics & Recreation
 Mobile
Students
  • Studying & Academics
    • Academic Calendars and Governance
    • Academic Integrity
    • Advising and Support
    • Exams
    • Global Engagement and Exchanges
    • Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
    • Library
    • Online Learning
    • Programs
    • Research
  • Student Life
    • Dean of Students
    • Dining on Campus
    • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
    • Indigenous Student Services
    • International Student Support
    • Residence and Off-Campus Housing
    • Student Organizations
    • Sustainability
  • Wellness & Recreation
    • Athletics and Recreation
    • Gendered Violence Prevention and Support
    • Human Rights and Conflict Management
    • Safety
    • Student Wellness Centre
    • Wellness Education
  • Work, Leadership & Volunteering
    • Career and Employment Support
    • Community and Workplace Partnerships
    • Co-op
    • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • Experience Record
    • Working on Campus
    • Student Teaching Development
    • Volunteering
  • Registration & Finances
    • Convocation and Graduation
    • Enrolment Services
    • Financial Aid
    • Graduate Funding and Awards
    • Money Management
    • OneCard
    • Course Registration Guide
    • Scholarships and Bursaries
    • Tuition and Fees
  • Services & Spaces
    • Childcare Services
    • Classrooms and Spaces
    • Educational Technologies
    • Parking and Transportation
    • Printing Services
    • Prism Resources
    • Retail and Mail Services
    • Tech Services

    • Home
    • Solar Eclipse Safety

    Solar Eclipse Safety

    March 25, 2024
    Print | PDF

    On Monday, April 8, North America will experience a partial solar eclipse between approximately 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., with the peak occurring at about 3:17 p.m. Laurier’s Brantford campus is in the path to experience a total eclipse starting at 3:17 p.m. and lasting one minute and 15 seconds. Laurier’s Waterloo campus will experience a partial eclipse that will cover 99% of the sun.

    As we prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse, it is essential to recognize both its rarity and potential dangers. Solar eclipses are extraordinary celestial events, occurring when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on Earth. While breathtaking to witness, looking directly at the sun can cause permanent eye damage or even blindness.

    It is not safe to look directly at the sun, except during the very brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, without specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing. Sunglasses will not protect your eyes during a solar eclipse. Even looking through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special solar filter will cause severe and permanent eye injury. (source: NASA)

    Tips to Safely Watch an Eclipse

    The following tips are provided by the Canadian Association of Optometrists to ensure your safety during the eclipse. 

    Safety Focus

    • Ensure your eyes are protected at all times by using solar eclipse viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing.
    • Make sure that the glasses are not damaged or scratched before use.
    • Sunglasses, even those with a very dark tint, are not sufficient protection. 
    • Do not look at the sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special solar filter.

    Don't Get Burned

    • Staring at the sun without protection may cause damage to your retina called "solar retinopathy." This damage can occur without any sensation of pain and may present 24 to 48 hours after exposure. The injury can be temporary or permanent.
    • Visit your local optometrist immediately if an accident occurs.  

    Go Indirect, Project

    • If you can't find eclipse viewers, make a pinhole projector to watch the eclipse. 
    • It is important to only watch the screen, not the sun. 
    • Never look at the sun through the pinhole.

    Watch Online

    • Check out the NASA-Exploratorium livestream to watch the eclipse. 

    For more information, visit the Region of Waterloo Solar Eclipse Safety page. 

    Unknown Spif - $key
    Wilfrid Laurier University
    • Locations, Maps & Parking
    • Contact Us
    • Accessibility
    • Campus Status
    • Social Media Directory
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Linked In
    • Email
    • Youtube

    WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY

    • Waterloo
    • Brantford
    • Milton
    • Kitchener

    © 2025 Wilfrid Laurier University

    We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.

    By selecting “Accept” and continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies.