Eclipse Viewing Safety: Dos and Don’ts

North America will witness its second total solar eclipse in the span of seven years on April 8th. During this event, the moon will pass over the surface of the sun, casting a shadow over a wide area of the Earth below. Here are five Dos and Don’ts to consider during this period.

Dos:

1. Use certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers to protect your eyes.
2. Ensure your eclipse glasses or viewers are in good condition without any scratches or damage.
3. Check the expiration date on your eclipse glasses to ensure they are safe to use.
4. Use a pinhole projector or other indirect viewing methods if you don’t have eclipse glasses.
5. Follow guidance from reputable sources, such as NASA or the American Astronomical Society, for safe viewing techniques.

Don’ts:

1. Never look directly at the sun during an eclipse without proper eye protection.
2. Do not use homemade filters or improvised viewing devices, as they may not provide adequate protection.
3. Avoid using sunglasses, smoked glass, or other makeshift methods to view the eclipse directly.
4. Don’t remove your eclipse glasses or viewers while looking at the eclipse, even during partial phases.
5. Do not use telescopes or binoculars to view the eclipse without solar filters specifically designed for them, as they can magnify the sun’s harmful rays and cause eye damage.

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