The Sun’s UV radiation
can burn the retinas in the eyes leading to permanent damage or even blindness.
This can occur even if your eyes are exposed to direct sunlight for just a few
seconds. How to view a solar eclipse The only way to view the uneclipsed or
partially eclipsed Sun safely is to project or filter the Sun's rays. Some safe
options: Pinhole projector: An easy and cheap way to view the Sun is to project
its image to a screen, such as a sheet of white paper or cardboard. Projection
works well with or without a telescope or binoculars. However, don't look
through the telescope’s eyepiece or side-mounted finder scope while projecting
the Sun's image to a screen. How to make a pinhole projector Eclipse glasses:
If you are not the D.I.Y. type, check in with your local natural history or
space museum or your local astronomy club for where to rent or buy eclipse
glasses. Welder's goggles: NASA recommends welder's glasses rated 14 or higher.
These can be found at your local welding supply store. Keep in mind that welder
glass grading may be different in different countries. Aluminized Mylar
sheeting: Mylar can be easily cut with scissors but make sure that the sheets
you use are aluminized and that you take the advice of experts while using it.
You can use special solar filters to see the Sun during a solar eclipse, but
use the proper type of solar filter that is designed for eclipses. Check that
filters do not crack under the Sun’s magnified and focused intensity. Solar
filters must be treated with care or they can quickly become damaged and unsafe
to use. How to take sunrise and sunset pictures How not to view a solar eclipse
It goes without saying that you should never look directly at the Sun without
any protective eyewear before, after or during a solar eclipse. According to
NASA, the following materials should never be used to view a solar eclipse:
Color film. Medical X-ray film with images on them. Smoked glass. Any kind of
sunglasses. CDs or floppy disks. The bottomline is, do not take any chances. If
you are unsure about the safety of a viewing device, talk to an expert first
before using it.
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