The much-anticipated solar eclipse will finally arrive Monday in St. Lawrence County.

The partial eclipse in our area will begin around 1:15 p.m. reaching its peak around 2:35 p.m. and wrapping up around 3:50 p.m.

While a number of St. Lawrence County residents will be traveling to the path of totality, where the sun will be completely blocked by the moon, those who don’t will still experience quite a show.

For an idea of what you can expect to see Monday from St. Lawrence County check out this link -- https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/7/25/16019892/solar-eclipse-2017-interactive-map

Those who plan to watch the event should do so with caution. According to NASA he only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers.

According to NASA homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun because they transmit thousands of times too much sunlight.

Those who purchase eclipse glasses should insure that they are approved by the American Astronomical Society.

A list of reputable vendors can be found here https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters

NASA says people should also inspect their solar filter before use. If it’s scratched or damaged, discard it. Also read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter and always supervise children using solar filters.

To test your glasses stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After looking at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.

NASA also warns not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.

Similarly, do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury.

NASA also advises seeking expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device. Note that solar filters must be attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics.