On Monday, August 21st between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., we'll be treated to that rare celestial event, a partial solar eclipse. In Bobcaygeon, the moon is expected to obscure the sun by about 75%, and it'll be another seven years before the next eclipse is visible here.

But looking at the sun during an eclipse is a bad idea confirms Jan Cami, director of the Hume Cronyn Observatory in London, Ontario. "You have to be very careful with your eyesight. You have to look at the sun to see the event – the problem is the sun will burn your retina, but you have no pain receptors in your eyes, so you don't realize something is wrong. You can do permanent irreversible eye damage in a matter of seconds."

Those especially at risk are people working outdoors, children playing outdoors, and drivers on the road during the hours of the eclipse.

Did you know?

Even when there's not a solar eclipse, the sun can damage your eyes if you look directly at it.
It's a good idea to try to stay indoors during the eclipse if possible. Close blinds and other window coverings.
Never look at the sun using an unfiltered telescope or pair of binoculars. This applies even if you are wearing Mylar filter glasses, as the focused sunlight can burn through the filters.
Do not use normal sunglasses to look at the sun. No matter how dark they are or what their UV rating is, normal sunglasses will not be enough to protect your eyes as you look directly at the sun.
Solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses are safe for viewing if in good condition. Ensure that they are ISO-certified, and bear the number ISO-12312-2:2015.