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How to safely watch a solar eclipse

People in Eeyou Istchee will be able to watch a rare event in the sky at daybreak on Monday, April 8, 2024 – an annular solar eclipse. 

The moon will pass in front of the sun and cover it almost entirely. The edges of the sun will be visible behind the moon in what will look like a ring of fire. 

The partial eclipse will begin around 2:17 p.m. and end around 4:35 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time), depending on the region. If you are or will be outside the region, you can keep up to date with the eclipse on the Quebec government website.

 

Closeup of an eye

Did you know?

Looking directly at a solar eclipse can cause permanent eye damage. Even during a partial eclipse, the sun’s rays can still cause serious damage to the retina of your eye. 

Special glasses are needed to watch the eclipse directly. The Canadian Space Agency recommends specialty glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard.  

Normal sunglasses will not protect your eyes.  

Is it safe to drive during a solar eclipse ?

You can drive during a solar eclipse but focus on the road! Don't try to look at the eclipse directly - it's dangerous even with sunglasses on. 

Solar eclipse glasses only block the sun, so you can't see while wearing them. 

Don't pull over to watch either. Traffic might be slow, so plan extra time for your trip. You can check road conditions beforehand.

HOW TO SAFELY WATCH THE ECLIPSE

Protect your eyes. If you don’t have a safe viewing filter or special glasses, you can make your own eclipse observation box. Use a shoebox or other small box, and follow the diagram below.   

How to build your projector

You will need:

  •  An empty cardboard box (the longer it is, the larger the image of the Sun)
  •  White paper
  •  Scissors
  •  Aluminum foil
  •  A pin
  •  Tape
  1. Open the box and, using tape, cover one of the inner sides with white paper.
  2. On the opposite side of the white paper, cut two holes side by side and at least 10 cm apart (one for the Sun, the other to look in).
  3. Cover the Sun hole with aluminum foil and tape it in place.
  4. Grab your pin and poke a tiny hole in the aluminum foil.
  5. Seal the box tightly.
  6. Decorate the outside of your new projector to make it your own! (optional). 

You can also watch the eclipse on the websites of several organizations that will be broadcasting the event live, including the Astrolab at Parc national du Mont-Mégantic.

 

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Caption
© Canadian Space Agency.

How to use your projector

  1. Turn your back to the Sun.
  2. Look through the eye hole and try to position yourself so that you see a projection of the Sun on the white paper.
  3. When the Moon starts going over the Sun, you will see its shadow slowly covering the Sun.

The eclipse will happen at different times in different regions. To learn more, visit Canada Space Agency’s website: https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/eclipses/solar-eclipses.asp 

The eclipse will happen at different times in different regions. To learn more, visit Canada Space Agency’s website: https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/eclipses/

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