Very important! Looking directly at the Sun, without appropriate protection, can lead to serious problems such as partial or complete loss of eyesight.

About the Solar Eclipse

On Monday, April 8, 2024, from 2:00-4:30 p.m., the moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. The Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph region will experience a partial eclipse (approximately 99%). It is important to start planning ahead now to be prepared to stay safe during the eclipse.

Eclipse Safety

Viewing the solar eclipse is exciting and there are ways to enjoy the event safely. Even if you do not plan to watch the event, these tips are important to know to protect you and your family’s vision.

• It is not safe to look at the Sun without approved eye protection. Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes, even if they are very dark tint.
• Looking at the sun at any time during the eclipse without proper eye protection can cause permanent vision damage.
• You can watch safely using eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2 standards. Here are some general safety tips when using eclipse glasses:
  • Be sure to follow the instructions provided on/with the eclipse glasses.
  • You shouldn’t be able to see anything through certified solar eclipse glasses except the sun.
  • Make sure your eclipse glasses are free of bends, scratches or other defects and do not wear them if they are damaged.
  • Ensure that your eclipse glasses fully cover your field of vision, you may need to hold down the sides.
  • Put on your glasses before looking at the Sun and look away from the Sun before taking the glasses off.
• If you don’t have eclipse glasses, there are other ways to safely watch an eclipse.
  • Make a paper pinhole projector or a box projector. Be sure to understand how to use it and never look at the sun through the pinhole.
  • Watch a livestream. A livestream is also a great option if it is a cloudy day. Here are a few livestream options:
    • Exploratorium livestream - will be streaming from Texas starting at 2:00 p.m. eastern daylight time
    • NASA’s live broadcast - will include coverage from Texas, Indiana, and Ohio.
    • Time and Date livestream - will start at noon eastern daylight time.
• Children should be supervised throughout the eclipse event. Parents are encouraged to educate their children about eye safety and may want to consider watching a livestream with children who may not fully comprehend the risks.
• If you are driving during the eclipse, do not wear eclipse glasses and do not look at the sun, even with dark sunglasses.
• Do not look at the eclipse through a camera, phone, telescope, or binoculars, even with eclipse glasses.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing while watching the eclipse.

Eye Health and Getting Help

Remember, it is not safe to look at the Sun without approved eye protection. Health impacts can include retinal burns, blurred vision and loss of eyesight (immediate or delayed onset). Eye damage may not be immediately apparent and may not cause any pain. Symptoms can take up to 48 hours to appear.

If you begin to experience temporary visual loss, blurred vision or eyesight loss during or after the event, speak to your optometrist or your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

If you experience a complete loss of vision after viewing the eclipse (immediate or delayed), seek emergency care immediately.