Solar eclipses are special events and even more special when they are total eclipses (like the one due in August of 2017). Many people will want to experience this phenomenon and it’s important to take solar eclipse safety seriously. Here are five very important tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.
1. Don’t Look at the Solar Eclipse without Proper Eye Protection
You may have read it is OK to look directly at a solar eclipse as long as it is a total eclipse. There is some truth in this statement because while the eclipse is total, all harmful UV rays are blocked out. However, this doesn’t last for long and as soon as the sun moves a tiny bit you could be exposing your eyes to damage. Plus, total eclipses are only one hundred percent in certain viewing areas. This is why you need to have eye protection during the entire event.
2. Never Use Standard Sunglasses to View Solar Eclipses
Normal sunglasses shield your eyes from bright sunlight and make it easier to see. However, they offer no eclipse safety because most sunglasses do not have the ability to filter out ultraviolet and infrared light. Unless your sunglasses are specifically designed for infrared and UV light filtering, they are not safe.
3. Be Aware of Hidden Dangers
Many people may not realize there are hidden dangers in eclipses. For example, you can view the eclipse and you will not feel any kind of pain or unpleasant sensations. This happens because the bright sunlight has been darkened (like when you wear sunglasses). However, UV light damage can take hours or even days to notice and by then the damage is done.
4. Talk to Your Kids
Make sure children know about solar eclipses and the proper way to view them. In addition, it’s important to know where young people are and what they are doing so they can be properly supervised during the eclipse. You are responsible for your child’s health and safety.
5. Check for Yourself
Don’t listen to what others tell you about eclipse safety. Always check things out for yourself. For example, it is safe to make a pinhole viewer for the eclipse. However, looking through photo film negatives or smoked glass is never a good idea. Why try things like these, when you can buy eclipse viewing glasses and they are very affordable? In fact, if you plan to have an eclipse party, you can order all you need.
