Solar Eclipse Safety
Observing a solar eclipse requires caution to prevent eye damage
4/6/20241 min read
Use Proper Eye Protection: Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Use specially designed solar eclipse glasses or viewers that meet international safety standards (ISO 12312-2). Regular sunglasses or homemade filters are not safe for viewing the sun.
Inspect Eye Protection: Before using solar eclipse glasses or viewers, inspect them for any scratches, damage, or defects. If they are older than three years or have any signs of damage, do not use them, as they may not provide adequate protection.
Watch for Wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife such as birds, pets, or insects during the eclipse. They may behave differently due to the change in lighting, so be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disturbing them.
Protect Cameras and Telescopes: If using cameras or telescopes to photograph or view the eclipse, make sure to use solar filters specifically designed for those devices to prevent damage to the equipment and to your eyes.
Be Mindful of Children: Supervise children and ensure they understand the importance of not looking directly at the sun during the eclipse. Provide them with properly fitted solar eclipse glasses or viewers if they wish to observe the event.
Take Breaks: Limit the amount of time spent observing the sun during the eclipse, and take frequent breaks to rest your eyes and prevent eye strain.
Be Cautious During Partial Phases: Even during partial phases of a solar eclipse when the sun is partially covered by the moon, it is still unsafe to look at without proper eye protection. Use caution and adhere to safety guidelines at all times.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun's light from reaching the Earth. The upcoming April 8 eclipse will last for more than four minutes from Mexico as far north as Economy, Indiana. This is extremely exciting, however, we recommend some precautions...