There will be a rare solar eclipse visible across North America on Monday, April 8, 2024. A solar eclipse happens when the moon blocks out part or all of the sun.
During the 2024 eclipse, people in Mexico, the United States, and Canada will be able to see the moon pass in front of the sun if weather permits. This will block out the sun for a few minutes.
The next total solar eclipse over the U.S. will not take place for another 20 years after 2024. So this is a unique chance to view this event.
Watching an eclipse can damage your eyes if you look directly at the sun. The National Eye Institute provides these safety tips:
- Do NOT look right at the sun during the eclipse, even if it is partly covered by the moon. Looking at the sun can seriously hurt your eyes and even cause permanent blindness.
- Special eclipse glasses or handheld filters must be used to view the eclipse safely. Regular sunglasses are not safe for direct viewing.
- It is also not safe to look through unfiltered cameras, telescopes, binoculars, or other optical devices. Special solar filters fitted on the front of the devices are needed.
The safest way to watch a solar eclipse is to turn your back to the sun and look at its projection onto a surface. Devices like pinhole projectors allow safe indirect viewing.
Symptoms like blurred vision, blind spots, and eye pain can happen right away or gradually after eclipse viewing. See an eye doctor immediately if you have any vision changes or discomfort after watching the eclipse.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent permanent damage to the eyes. Safety first! Do not take risks with your vision.