How to watch the upcoming total solar eclipse in North America safely
Authored By Aditya Shukla
Published: Mar 21, 2024, 24:12 IST | Updated: Mar 21, 2024, 24:12 IST
Representational image of a total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America on April 8, making its journey across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Beginning from the South Pacific Ocean, the eclipse is expected to reach totality along Mexico’s Pacific coast at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT.
Doctors warn against watching the eclipse with the naked eye
As the total solar eclipse approaches, eye specialists are issuing warnings about the potential risks of witnessing a solar eclipse with the naked eye. Directly viewing the sun, during an eclipse, can cause severe damage to the retina.
Add WION as a Preferred Source
Understanding solar eclipses
The phenomenon when the moon comes in between the sun and the earth, causing sunlight to be blocked and casting a shadow on the Earth's surface is called a solar eclipse.
- When the moon completely covers the sun, revealing the sun's outer atmosphere, which appears as a glowing ring, it is called a total solar eclipse.
- Meanwhile, partial solar eclipses occur when the moon only partially blocks the sun.
)
The Early Spring is proof not everyone can talk about their real feelings, and it is perfectly OK
)
UN votes to ‘correct the map’ as India backs fairer world view
)
Nigerian Navy discovers 99,000 litres of suspected stolen, illegally refined products as it intensifies anti-crude oil theft operations
)
Who is Aditi Paudel? 17-year-old becomes Japan's first literacy ambassador
)
Bengaluru: Officials find 40 kg expired chilli at chairman's club
)
Jaishankar rejects trade link to ending Ukraine war
)
Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill three, injure 23 despite truce
)
Alpine glacier was covered with sheep wool sheets to prevent melting. It worked
)
South Korea mulls deploying military assets to Strait of Hormuz
)
World's fifth-largest economy, British army can't afford to train
)
Breaking | Vance takes the podium: First White House briefing since Leavitt's exit
)
Taiwan raises 'concerns' over China's missile test
)
BRICS 2026: $1 trillion sovereign capital set to converge in Delhi for first iBRICS Summit
)
What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain that Trump has again threatened to bomb?
)
UN votes to correct world map that visually shrank Africa for 450 years
)
Former NewJeans member Danielle launches YouTube channel, hints at new solo journey
)
Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa
)
Brendan Fraser’s transformation fuels The Mummy 4 excitement as fans welcome back Rick O’Connell
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Krishna Janmashtami 2026: From Dhaniya Panjiri to Makhana Kheer- 5 best sweet dishes perfect for celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth
)
Donald Trump plans to travel to Ireland on Qatari-donated jet amid security concerns
)
Nazi-looted art to return to Jewish heirs
)
Eight killed in Kerala’s Thrissur after car rams into lorry parked on highway
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets use bulky, low-pressure tyres compared to US jets
)
FBI-wanted fraud accused arrested in Jalandhar over $600,000 scam
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US tanks weigh over 20 tons more than Russian tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (September 4, 2026): GDN, Dhamaal 4, Jagamae Sangeetham- Watch 6 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Killing the Himalayas slowly: Human urine is melting a glacier on Mount Everest
Risks to eye health
- Observing a solar eclipse without proper safety measures can lead to “eclipse blindness” or retinal burns, causing temporary or permanent damage to the retina.
- It can also cause loss of central vision, distorted vision, and altered color perception.
How to watch solar eclipse safely
If you want to enjoy watching the solar eclipse then it is important to keep eye safety measures in mind.
- During the total solar eclipse phase, use eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers to protect your eyes before and after totality.
- Only during totality, when the sun's bright face is entirely obscured, is it safe to view the eclipse without eye protection. Immediately resume eye protection once any part of the sun becomes visible.
Don'ts of observing a solar eclipse
- Avoid risking eye health by refraining from using smartphones or camera viewfinders to directly view the sun.
- Never use unsafe filters, including sunglasses or unapproved optical devices, which can heighten the risk of eye damage.
- Using certified solar eclipse glasses meeting ISO 12312-2 standards is essential for safeguarding vision during a solar eclipse.
