On August 21, 2017, America — from Oregon to Georgia — will fall under the path of a total solar eclipse. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has caused quite the buzz and many are taking time off work and traveling hundreds of miles to where they can catch a glimpse of this solar phenomenon.
If you’re among those who plan on viewing the solar eclipse in all its glory, it’s important for you to take the necessary measures to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Failure to do so can result in permanent eye damage and blindness.
Check out this video for instructions from the American Astronomical Society on how to watch the solar eclipse safely:
Important Note: Your Glasses or Viewers Should Be Equipped With Special-Purpose Solar Filters
“There is only one safe way to look directly at the sun, whether during an eclipse or not: through special-purpose solar filters. These solar filters are used in “eclipse glasses” or in hand-held solar viewers. They must meet a very specific worldwide standard known as ISO 12312-2.
Keep in mind that ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, or homemade filters are not safe for looking at the sun.”
Retrieved from: American Academy of Ophthalmology
Not sure how to tell if your solar eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers are safe?
Read this article published American Astronomical Society to double check the requirements.
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