This Monday, October 8th, Baja California Sur (BCS) is gearing up to witness one of the most thrilling astronomical events of the year: the solar eclipse. This captivating phenomenon will be visible across much of Mexico, and BCS will be no exception. In La Paz, the spectacle will commence at 9:49 a.m., reaching its peak at 11:05.

It is crucial to remember that directly observing a solar eclipse can be extremely harmful to the eyes. Experts have reiterated time and again the importance of not looking at the sun without protection during this event. The damage caused can be irreversible. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to view the eclipse with the naked eye.

For those wishing to safely witness the eclipse, there are options available. Glasses or viewers specifically designed for solar observation, certified with the international standard ISO-12312-2:2015, are an excellent choice. Likewise, welder's filters with a rating of 14 can be used, although a viewing period of no more than 10 seconds is recommended.

Even with the use of safe instruments, it is important to limit observation time. It is suggested to avoid looking at the eclipse for more than 30 seconds at a time to protect the eyes from potential damage.

Additionally, there are some practices you should definitely avoid during the eclipse. Do not attempt to view the phenomenon reflected in water, and avoid using uncertified dark glasses, film negatives, floppy disks, X-rays, binoculars, or telescopes without solar filters. These safety measures are essential to protect your visual health.

In La Paz, various institutions such as the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, the Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR), and the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR) will be offering the opportunity to observe the eclipse safely. Telescopes with solar filters will be set up for the enjoyment of the entire community.