On October 25, 2022, North America will experience its last partial solar eclipse of the year. This natural phenomenon occurs when the sun, moon, and earth align in such a way that the moon blocks out the sun’s light, casting a shadow on earth. 

If you’re planning on watching the eclipse, there are a few things you need to know in order to do so safely. Here’s what you need to enjoy the event while keeping your eyes healthy.

What is a partial solar Eclipse?
A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth.

When is the Eclipse?

The partial eclipse will take place on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. It will begin at 8:58, CET (Central European Time) and continue through to 13:02 AM, CET. (Perfect timing for Parisians.) 

Where is the Eclipse?
The partial eclipse will shadow across the Atlantic making it visible to citizens and travelers in Europe, South/West Asia, and North/East Africa.

How Can I View the Eclipse Safely? 

It’s important that to take precautions when viewing the eclipse, as looking directly at the sun can cause serious damage to your eyesight. Here are some tips for safe viewing:

• Do not look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. That means you cannot safely view the eclipse through sunglasses, regular glasses, or cameras without solar filters. 
• This is a partial eclipse, and there will not be a visible point where the moon completely blocks the sun. Do not remove your eye protection at any point during the eclipse; even a small sliver of sunlight can damage your eyesight. 
• Children should always be supervised by an adult when viewing an eclipse; even with proper eye protection, it’s easy for kids to accidentally look directly at the sun. 
• If you can’t get your hands on solar eclipse glasses or another form of eye protection before October 25, don’t worry! You can make your own solar eclipse glasses, or pinhole viewer, using a few household items: two pieces of white cardboard, aluminum foil, tape, and a pushpin or thumbtack. 
• Finally, if you want to photograph or record video of the eclipse, make sure that your camera is equipped with a solar filter before pointing it towards the sun! 

As long as you take proper precautions, viewing a solar eclipse is a safe and awe-inspiring experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. And while you’re at it, mark November 7-8, 2022 on your calendars to watch the Blood Moon, or total lunar eclipse.