With an upcoming solar eclipse on the horizon, it’s crucial to take safety precautions to protect your eyes while observing this celestial event. Here are some key tips to ensure a safe viewing experience:
Use Proper Solar Viewing Glasses: When indoors, wear solar viewing glasses that only allow you to see very bright lights, such as halogen bulbs or smartphone flashlights. Make sure these glasses are labeled “ISO 12312-2” and bear an authentic ISO certification label. They should also state that they are genuine solar filters, provide a proper fit, offer full coverage, and are free of defects, punctures, and scratches.
Test the Glasses: Before looking directly at the sun, bring the glasses outside but refrain from staring at the sun immediately. Instead, look around and ensure that it’s too dark to see distant objects like hills, trees, or the ground. If your glasses pass this test and meet all safety standards, they are likely safe for solar viewing.
Limit Sun Gazing: Never look directly at the sun for more than 2-3 seconds every five minutes. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s intense rays can cause serious eye damage, including permanent vision loss.
By following these safety guidelines and using certified solar viewing glasses, you can enjoy the solar eclipse safely and protect your eyes from harm. Remember, it’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to solar viewing.
Be sure to follow along on 105.7 myFM all day on Monday for live coverage of the total solar eclipse featuring up to the minute reports from all over town and expert insights.
Written by: K. Milhomens