April 8 a day to see clearly – but safely

In the early-to-mid-afternoon of Monday, April 8, North America will be crossed by a total solar eclipse – during which the moon passes between Earth and the sun, completely blocking the latter for a few minutes. The last total eclipse took place in August 2017.

NASA has released a microsite – https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024 – to help people find the best viewing locations and critical times, as well as information on how to view the eclipse safely. Permanent damage to vision is a real danger without precautions; in 2017 a woman whose viewing glasses were faulty later visited an eye doctor, who found that “the distinctive contours of the solar eclipse the woman stared at days prior were etched onto her retina.”

Except for the period of “totality,” which varies depending on viewing location, it is never safe to look directly at the sun without special eye protection. This can be provided by specially made viewing glasses, or solar filters for optical equipment like telescopes. “Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the sun,” according to NASA. The agency’s Safety page lists further precautions to take, how to construct alternative viewing methods, and staying safe when out in the sun for extended periods. The American Astronomical Society offers a page with lists of reputable manufacturers and purchasing options.

If your post holds an eclipse event, tell us about it on Legiontown.