Written by Fiona
Solar Eclipse Illustration (SHUTTERSTOCK/SUMANBHAUMIK)
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse crossed North America, going over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Sun and the Earth, completely covering the Sun's face. The sky will darken as if it were sunrise or sunset (2024 Total Eclipse - NASA Science, n.d.). This phenomenon was observed by millions of people, with 48.3 million residing in the path of totality (Carter, 2024).
How to Safely Watch the Solar Eclipse?
Apart from the brief period during the phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon fully obscures the Sun's bright surface, it is unsafe to directly gaze at the Sun without proper eye protection for solar viewing.
Observing any part of the Sun's intense brightness through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a specialized solar filter securely affixed over the front of the optics can result in immediate and severe eye damage (Total Solar Eclipse Safety - NASA Science, n.d.).
Solar Filters
A group of people watching a solar eclipse via Getty Images
Wearing sunglasses, even the darkest ones, does not provide sufficient protection for your eyes when viewing the sun. Homemade filters are also ineffective and pose risks to your vision.
It is advisable to prepare in advance and acquire eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewers. These items feature a solar filter that adheres to the rigorous worldwide standard ISO 12312-2. This filter is the sole reliable method to safeguard your eyes from the sun's intense rays (How to Safely Watch the 2024 Solar Eclipse, 2024).
Indirect Viewing Method
Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
If you don't possess eclipse glasses or a solar viewer, you can employ an indirect viewing approach using common household items. Also known as a pinhole viewer, this method allows you to project an image of the sun onto a surface such as paper, a wall, or pavement. This projected image of the sun is safe to observe during the entire eclipse (How to Safely Watch the 2024 Solar Eclipse, 2024).
For instance, a colander or an index card with a hole punched in it can be used. Position yourself with your back toward the sun and let its light cast a shadow through the paper or colander onto the ground (McCartney, 2024).
Watching a Livestream
Experiencing a total solar eclipse is a rare opportunity. If you reside in an area outside the eclipse's path, you may want to watch it online or join an event at a nearby planetarium or science center to witness this celestial spectacle with others.
References
2024 Total Eclipse - NASA Science. (n.d.). https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/
Carter, J. (2024, March 27). Will the total solar eclipse on April 8 be the most watched ever? Space.com. https://www.space.com/will-the-april-total-solar-eclipse-2024-be-the-most-watched-eclipse-ever
How to safely watch the 2024 solar eclipse. (2024, April 5). American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/how-to-safely-watch-great-american-eclipse-of-2017
McCartney, M. (2024, April 5). Indirect viewing methods for safely viewing the eclipse - Cosmosphere. Cosmosphere. https://cosmo.org/indirect-viewing-methods-for-safely-viewing-the-eclipse/#:~:text=If%20you%20don't%20have,or%20colander%20onto%20the%20ground.
Total Solar eclipse Safety - NASA Science. (n.d.). https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/
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