how to see the eclipse if you dont have solar sunglasses

This time is known as “totality,” during which the darkness can last up to 2 minutes and 40 seconds depending on where you live. Second, remember that the only time it is safe to remove your solar glasses is when the moon is fully blocking the sun. Have the manufacturer’s information printed on the product, including company name and address Are not more than 3 years old, have no scratches, nor wrinkled lensesģ.

Have a designated ISO 12312-2 certification visible on the productĢ. Recommendations from NASA include solar glasses that:ġ. But, it should be known that even with these specific solar shields, there are still risks involved. These can be purchased at retail stores or online (see authorized dealers here), or picked up for free at libraries across the country (see participating libraries here).

Sunglasses, unfiltered telescopes, and polarizing filters are not safe to use to view the eclipse.įirst, there are special solar glasses that are made specifically for solar eclipses. Staring at the sun can cause solar retinopathy, which damages the fovea and causes loss of visual acuity. What’s more is that we will get to witness something that is only visible to less than 0.5% of Earth’s surface and the first total solar eclipse to cover coast to coast since 1918.īefore you go searching for your maximum coverage sunglasses or planning to simply look away before and after totality has occurred, be aware that no matter the lengths you go to be safe, precautions should be taken any time you are planning to look in the direction of the sun. But a total solar eclipse like the one happening on August 21 st is a spectacle that only happens every 18 months. With the specific angle and distance that the moon orbits Earth, there are a few eclipse events that happen each year, both solar and lunar. In addition to it being something that is happening in our neck of the woods, it is also something that doesn’t happen often in general, which makes it all the more special. If you are reading this, chances are good that you are living in or attending school in the contiguous United States, which is the path that this total solar eclipse will take. But even if you think you are being safe about it, you may not realize that there are still definite risks for harm to your eyes.

As eye care professionals, it is likely that many of your friends and family members will be asking you about it too. You’ve probably heard the buzz around the total solar eclipse that will be happening August 21, 2017.

How to see the eclipse if you dont have solar sunglasses