What critical safety instruction must be followed when planning to view the dazzling Venus near the horizon using binoculars or a telescope?

Never attempt to view it through binoculars or a telescope right after sunset unless the Sun has completely cleared the horizon

Venus can be exceptionally bright, particularly when low on the horizon because atmospheric extinction diffuses and intensifies its light, making it appear dazzling. Directly observing the Sun, even if only residual light or afterglow remains near the horizon, through any optical aid like binoculars or a telescope can inflict immediate and permanent damage to the eyes. Therefore, the strict protocol requires waiting until the Sun's entire disk is confirmed to be well below the horizon line before beginning any optical observation of bright nearby objects like Venus.