Look Away From the Light: Eye Safety During the Oregon Eclipse
A total solar eclipse will be visible to the continental United States on August 21st of 2017. This means that the moon will obscure the sun completely for those in its path, and partially for those who may be nearby. Those of us in certain parts of Oregon happen to be directly in the path of the total solar eclipse.
A solar eclipse is only safe to view with the naked eye for the 1–2 minutes when the moon crosses entirely over the sun. If you plan to view the entire event, or are not in its direct path, you must take precautions and plan how you will be viewing this fantastic, potentially once in a lifetime event. Read on for a few precautionary tips about how to properly and safely view the upcoming total solar eclipse, so that you do not harm your eyes in any way.
Total Solar Eclipse Dos and Don’ts
Never look at the sun with the naked eye, because even during an eclipse, the sun’s ultra violet rays could permanently damage or even blind you. Some of the types of damage brought about by looking at the sun include macular degeneration, solar retinitis and corneal dystrophies. Your eyes can sustain damage even if just a small sliver of the sun is visible.
In a recent industry article about the total solar eclipse and maintaining proper eye care, our own Dr. John Lewis noted:
During totality, when the disc of the sun is completely covered by the moon, it is safe to look directly at the event with the naked eye. During this short time, the sun’s outer atmosphere (solar corona) will be visible, as well as bright stars and planets. However, looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, can cause permanent damage to the eye. The partial eclipse will last for hours and it will be tempting to look toward the sun while waiting for the total eclipse.
No matter how tempted you might be, it’s important to know that staring directly at the sun is never a good idea:
The only safe way to directly view the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special glasses with solar filters. (These are often called “eclipse glasses” and can be found at American Paper Optics or Rainbow Symphony, among others.) Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses – regardless of how darkly they are tinted – are not safe for looking at the sun. It is also a mistake to think that it is safe to view the eclipse through a camera, telescope, binoculars or other optical devices.
More Dos And DON’Ts Regarding The Total Solar Eclipse
Don’t use sunglasses! They will not protect your eyes from looking directly at the sun. Same goes for cameras, telescopes, binoculars, etc. – see below.
Do use eclipse glasses. But make sure they have certification information with a designated ISO 12312-2 international standard. Find your certified eclipse glasses here.
Don’t look through a camera, telescope or binoculars! The lenses will not protect your eyes, even if you are looking through while wearing eclipse glasses. In fact, the concentrated rays could increase the damage to your eyes.
Do use a homemade pinhole camera. Create an incredible projection all your own. Remember to always keep your back towards the sun while looking at a pinhole projection.
Don’t be discouraged. Although there are many safety precautions, as well as logistical struggles to actually viewing a solar eclipse, the sight is magnificent, and truly worth the effort it may take to view.
Do become informed about safety precautions, share with your friends and family, and enjoy the experience of seeing a rare marvel of nature.
Do view the eclipse best by glancing toward the event in brief intervals, and
Don’t continually stare at the eclipse, even when using the proper filters.
What If I Miss the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse in Oregon?
The August eclipse is the first solar eclipse in the United States since 1979, and another won’t pass through the U.S. until April 8, 2024 (which will be visible from Texas to New England). If you have the travel bug and want to join other eclipse chasers, you don’t need to wait as long.
The next few solar eclipses will be visible in South America on July 2, 2019, again in South America on December 14, 2020, and in Antarctica on December 4, 2021. Since the August eclipse is happening right in our backyard, it is a great opportunity to try out some of our tips and have a great (and safe!) viewing experience.
If you’re interested, you can find maps to determine if you are in the predicted path of the eclipse here.