Get ready! Canada is just weeks away from seeing a rare solar eclipse dramatically take over the skies across the country.
On April 8, parts of the country will be treated to a total solar eclipse in which the moon will pass between the sun and Earth, covering the star from view and darkening the skies.
Ahead of what will be a once-in-a-lifetime event for many, Canadians are being reminded to practice safety when watching the eclipse.
If you'll be watching the rare celestial event, here's what you need to know about safe solar eclipse viewing.
Where will the April 2024 eclipse be visible?
The eclipse will be visible across Canada, but only certain provinces will be in the path of totality, or where the sun will be fully covered by the moon.
You can refer to Time and Date's interactive eclipse map to see what the eclipse will look like in different parts of the country.
For instance, in Vancouver, which is well outside the path of totality, viewers will only see about 17 percent of the sun covered by the moon.
Edmonton, also outside the path of totality, is looking at about 23 percent coverage, according to Time and Date.
Areas in the path of totality include parts of southern Ontario and Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and part of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.
How to safely watch the total solar eclipse
A person holds solar eclipse glasses.
Whether you'll be watching from within the path of totality or outside it, you'll want to make sure you're protecting your eyes while watching the solar eclipse.
The Canadian Space Agency warns that looking directly at the sun without the appropriate protection can lead to serious problems such as partial or complete loss of eyesight.
"Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing," says NASA.
According to the CSA, during any solar eclipse, it is imperative to wear special glasses with filters designed for eclipse watching (ISO 12312-2 international standard) to prevent eye damage.
"Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes sufficiently," it says.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists also advises making sure that the glasses are not damaged or scratched before using them.
According to the CAO, staring at the sun without eye protection may cause damage to your retina called "solar retinopathy," which can occur without any sensation of pain and can be permanent.
You can find a list of eclipse glasses and solar viewer vendors on the American Astronomical Society's website. The AAS also has information on how to spot fakes.
Another way to watch the eclipse is indirectly by using a pinhole projector, which you can easily make at home. You can also watch a live stream of the event, like the one by NASA.It will be quite a while before Canada sees another total solar eclipse; according to Time and Date, Toronto won't see another total solar eclipse until 2144, so don't miss your chance to see the celestial event on April 8!
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.