Safely viewing the eclipse, step by step

by | Aug 16, 2017 | Tips | 0 comments

Millions of people all over America will be looking up at the sky to see the eclipse.  Unfortunately, far to many of them (perhaps mostly kids) will have permanent eye damage because they viewed the eclipse without taking the proper precautions.  We don’t want this to happen to you or your loved ones.

 

Here is a step by step guide for safely watching a solar eclipse:

  1. INSPECT EQUIPMENT
    Carefully look at your solar filter or eclipse glasses before using them. If you see any scratches or damage, do not use them.
  2. READ INSTRUCTIONS
    1. Always read and follow all directions that come with the solar filter or eclipse glasses.
    2. Help children to be sure they use handheld solar viewers and eclipse glasses correctly.
  3. SETUP EQUIPMENT BEFORE THE ECLIPSE
    1. You will not want to spend precious viewing time trying to fix problems with equipment.
    2. Cameras and smart phones will need to have special filters as the sun might damage the sensors.
    3. Be certain to cover any view finders with eclipse viewers as well.
    4. Talk with an expert astronomer if you want to use a special solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars or any other optical device.
  4. WEAR PROTECTION WHEN THE ECLIPSE IS JUST ABOUT TO OCCUR

    1. Before looking up at the bright sun, stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer.
    2. Never look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars or other similar devices.
      This is important even if you are wearing eclipse glasses or holding a solar viewer at the same time. The intense solar rays coming through these devices will damage the solar filter and your eyes.
  5. VIEW THE ECLIPSE
    The only time that you can look at the sun without a solar viewer is during a total eclipse (TOTALITY).IF YOU’RE IN THE  TOTAL ECLIPSE REGION
    When the moon completely covers the sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets dark, you can remove your solar filter to watch this unique experience. Then, as soon as the bright sun begins to reappear very slightly, immediately use your solar viewer again to watch the remaining partial phase of the eclipse.
  6. IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE THE TOTAL ECLIPSE REGION
    Put your solar viewer on, making certain your vision in completely covered and that there are no scratches or cracks in the viewer.Enjoy looking at the eclipse.
  7. OBSERVE
    Look at the stars and even planets that are now visible.
    Listen to the sounds of nature change especially the birds.
    How are pets acting?
    Can you feel a change in temperature?
  8. TAKE A PICTURE OF YOU AND YOUR FELLOW VIEWERS
    Millions of people, scientists and professional photographers will be photographing the eclipse.  Who is going to take a picture of you?
    Remember to keep your glasses on.
    This way you can vote on who looks dorkiest.
  9. FINISH
    After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove your filter—do not remove it while looking at the sun.
    Hug the person to your left.
    Use extreme caution kissing anyone while wearing the eclipse glasses.  You might not kiss the right person.
    If you are 5 years old or less, avoid kissing altogether. (it is just gross)

For thousands of years, people thought eclipses signaled the end of the world and countless did permanent damage to their eye sights.  Armed with a little knowledge, you might be the first person in your family history to safely enjoy this heavenly spectacle.

For information about where to get the proper eyewear or handheld viewers, check out the American Astronomical Society.