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

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