On April 8, the people of Montérégie will witness a rare astronomical phenomenon: a solar eclipse. In most municipalities in our region, the eclipse will begin around 2:14 p.m. and end at 4:38 p.m. The Direction de santé publique de la Montérégie reminds us that vigilance is required during this period.

In fact, direct observation of the sun should be avoided at all times. In fact, the sun can damage the eye, even with conventional sun protection such as sunglasses.

This risk is heightened during eclipses, when the sun's reduced luminosity diminishes the eye's protective reflex. Watching a solar eclipse, even for just a few seconds, can have harmful effects, including potentially irreversible sight loss.

Fortunately, there are a number of safe and inexpensive ways to observe the solar eclipse:

- By making a solar eclipse box, which lets you observe a small image of the sun through a closed box. The Canadian Space Agency offers a tutorial on how to make one: https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/fra/jeunes-educateurs/activites/experiences-amusantes/projecteur-eclipse.asp;

- By viewing the eclipse online, like the projection produced by Parc national du Mont-Mégantic's Astrolab: https://www.eclipsequebec.ca/eclipse-8-avril-2024/;

- By taking part in a supervised gathering, such as the event organized at Parc Jean-Drapeau by the Planetarium and the Montréal Science Centre;

- By purchasing ISO 12312-2 solar eclipse glasses from a reliable supplier, i.e. directly from the manufacturer or a recognized distributor. Special care must be taken when putting on or taking off the glasses, to avoid accidentally observing the sun during transitions.

Remember that sunglasses, even those of good quality with a very dark tint, are not sufficient protection in this context. You should also avoid observing or photographing the eclipse through a lens such as a cell phone, binoculars or telescope.Supervision of children and infirm persons is recommended during the eclipse.

Information on safety measures to be taken during the solar eclipse is available online: https://www.quebec.ca/securite-situations-urgence/urgences-sinistres-risques-naturels/quoi-faire-avant-pendant-apres-urgence-sinistre/se-preparer-eclipse-totale-8-avril-2024-quebec.