This incredible event is an absolute must-see and will add a touch of magic to any child's Christmas, but to make the most of it without permanently damaging their eyes the Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends that Canadians follow a couple of safety tips. There is so much intense light coming from the Sun that your retina could not compensate and its cells would burn out creating severe visual impairments and possible blindness. Since there are no pain receptors in the retina, you would not be able to feel the injuries and would not be aware of them until hours later, when the effects begin to appear . Your sunglasses are not made for that purpose and will not protect you from injuries. In any event, even with solar filter on, do not stare at the sun for extended periods.
Science link below to curriculum-linked classroom activities.
This guide may be adapted for use with both older and younger students and will meet skill expectations for initiating and planning as well as performing and recording. We will publish the student work on this web site and send your class a full colour poster, Canadian Skies, Your Guide to the Stars , courtesy of the National Research Council Canada.