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On Monday, April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse will be visible in the maritimes. While eclipses offer a rare and breathtaking spectacle, they also present potential risks to our vision if not viewed with proper care. It is important to remember the significance of safety precautions while observing this awe-inspiring celestial event.

Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse, even for a brief moment, can cause permanent eye damage or even blindness. The sun emits harmful ultraviolet radiation that can severely damage the sensitive tissues of the eyes, leading to conditions such as solar retinopathy.

Viewing guidelines

To safeguard your vision and enjoy the eclipse safely, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Use proper eye protection

• Only view the eclipse through certified solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers specifically designed for eclipse observation. Glasses must meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2. 
• Regular sunglasses, homemade filters, or improvised viewing methods are NOT safe for eclipse viewing.

Avoid direct viewing

• Never look directly at the sun without adequate eye protection, even during a partial eclipse.
• Use indirect viewing methods such as pinhole projectors or solar telescopes to safely observe the eclipse without risking eye damage.

Supervise children

• Ensure that children are supervised by adults and understand the importance of not looking directly at the sun during the eclipse.
• Provide them with certified solar viewing glasses or alternative safe viewing methods.

Be cautious with cameras and binoculars

• Do not use cameras, binoculars, or telescopes to view the eclipse without appropriate solar filters.
• Looking through these devices without proper protection can amplify the intensity of sunlight and cause serious eye injury.

Monitor duration of viewing

• Limit the duration of direct viewing of the eclipse, even with proper eye protection. Prolonged exposure can still pose risks to eye health.

Let's ensure that our eclipse viewing experience is both enjoyable and safe for everyone. Remember, protecting our eyesight is paramount. You can find additional solar eclipse safety information provided by the Canadian Association of Optometrists, NASA, and the Government of Canada. 

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