Earlier this month, I did a write-up on the upcoming Solar eclipse. However, not everyone will have read it or paid attention. Here at INN, we really hope all of you who can will enjoy this rare astronomical event to the fullest without harming your own, or anyone else’s eyesight. Therefore, I do not apologize for repeating myself: For viewing the eclipse itself, please listen to those lovely people at NASA. I read this account today of a chap who now works for them whose eyes were damaged as a child—take heed, capsuleers.
The most dangerous times are during partial eclipse, so supervise your children and make sure they are viewing in safety. If your kids are overexcited hellions-please use the projection methods listed and linked. For those who can’t be bothered clicking links about safety, which I strongly urge you to do, I will repost, taken from the NASA website:
Eclipse viewing glasses and handheld solar viewers should meet all the following criteria:
- Have certification information with a designated ISO 12312-2 international standard
- Have the manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere on the product
- Not be used if they are older than three years, or have scratched or wrinkled lenses
- Not use homemade filters
Ordinary sunglasses — even very dark ones — should not be used as a replacement for eclipse viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers
An alternative method for safe viewing of the partially-eclipsed Sun is with a pinhole projector. With this method, sunlight streams through a small hole – such as a pencil hole in a piece of paper, or even the space between your fingers – onto a makeshift screen, such as a piece of paper or the ground. It’s important to only watch the screen, not the Sun. Never look at the Sun through the pinhole — it is not safe (as if that’s not obvious).
Buckets of water are acceptable as a last resort, but I’d still recommend glasses with them too-if a reflection looks too bright, don’t look ok?
Welder’s helmets require a rating of at least 12, check carefully please! I’d still rather you didn’t to be honest.
There will doubtless be many people on the road travelling to a viewing site (think congestion, gridlock and delays), be sensible, don’t drive with viewing glasses on, randomly stop, or otherwise be a pain in the ass. Effectively, if you’re not there already, stay home and watch it on TV, streams, your back yard.
I’m well aware this is basic common sense. I’m very sure you guys know it is, but its easy to get careless, but remember this; eyes have no pain receptors, you won’t know you’ve damaged them until its too late and then you’re suddenly on the menu for triffids. Viewing is highly recommended, but please, enjoy responsibly.
