With the total solar eclipse taking place in less than two weeks, here’s why it’s so important to view the phenomenon with the right glasses.
According to NASA, if viewers do not wear appropriate glasses to view the eclipse, the rays can burn unprotected eyes and cause significant damage to the retinas.
It should be noted that solar eclipse glasses are NOT the same as regular sunglasses. It is also not safe to wear regular sunglasses during the event.
“DO NOT look at the Sun through the lens of a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using eclipse glasses or a portable solar viewer,” NASA warns. “Concentrated sun rays will pass through the filter and cause serious eye injuries.”
The solar eclipse will take place on April 8. It will begin in Texas at 1:27 pm CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 pm EDT. However, the exact time of the eclipse will vary depending on where viewers are in its path.
It was also reported that much of the US will get a partial view of the eclipse that is not too impressive to be in the path of totality. The Earth will not be plunged into total darkness either.
Texas is notably the best place to view the solar eclipse. The next visible total solar eclipse will occur on August 23, 2044.
Here’s how to view the solar eclipse without the recommended glasses
If viewers do not have the proper glasses to view the solar eclipse, NASA recommends that they use an indirect viewing method. This means not looking directly at the sun.
“One way is to use a pinhole projector,” NASA shared. “That has a small opening (for example, a hole punched in a token) and projects an image of the Sun onto a nearby surface.”
“With the Sun at your back, you can safely see the projected image. DO NOT look at the Sun through the hole!”
Speculators can also make their own eclipse project using a cardboard box, a white sheet of paper, tape, scissors, and aluminum foil. “With the Sun behind you, sunlight will enter through a hole punched in aluminum foil taped over a hole in the side of the box.”
“During partial phases of a solar eclipse, this will project a half-moon of the Sun onto a white sheet of paper taped to the inside of the box. Look inside the box through another hole cut in the box to see the projected image.”
NASA does not recommend the use of eclipse glasses or portable viewers with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes. All devices require different types of sun filters. Viewers should seek advice from an astronomer before using sunscreen.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn