Many people are aware of the approaching total solar eclipse which crosses the continental United States on Aug. 21, but many more do not know of the hazards that come with that eclipse. Most of the sun will be covered up during the peak time for our listening area, between 95 and 98 percent, at approximately 1:04 p.m. During normal times, humans will instinctively look away from the sun due to its brightness, but the eclipse will make it bearable to look at for longer periods of time. Optometrist, Dr. Thomas Parrish, says that is where the danger lies.
It can take only seconds of looking at the sun unprotected for damage to occur. Parrish says the eye just cannot handle that kind of energy, even when partially blocked, for very long.
There are some ways to view the eclipse without damaging your vision.
Certified viewing glasses will be marked with the code ISO-12312-2. Even with the glasses, spectators should only look towards the eclipse for only a few seconds at a time. Number 14 welder’s glass, the darkest available, will adequately protect the eyes, but no other grade of welding goggles will be enough. Another way to see the event is to create a pinhole viewer which creates a shadow representation and is completely safe because the eyes are not directed towards the sun. Monday’s eclipse will be the first to cross the United States since 1974 and will last about two minutes. The next eclipse will take place in 2024.
