By now, most people are aware that on Monday, August 21, between 9:05 a.m. PDT and 1:16 p.m. EDT—depending on where you are—the sun will start to dim. But don’t worry, it’s not a sign of the apocalypse; it’s the Great American Solar Eclipse. This event will showcase a partial solar eclipse across the entire continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and parts of northern South America.
However, the Great American Solar Eclipse will also feature a total eclipse that can be observed along a significant stretch of the U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina. Most Americans are fortunate enough to live within a day’s drive of what scientists refer to as “the path of totality.”
But this creates a significant challenge, apart from the inevitable traffic congestion. In South Carolina, for instance, officials are treating the event like a major state emergency, with the capital area bracing for over 300,000 visitors. Hotel rooms and restaurant reservations are completely booked, and authorities advise locals to gather supplies by the middle of that week.
Now, the real concern? The human factor. Anyone who has watched educational shows knows that special glasses are necessary for viewing a solar eclipse; failing to use them can lead to severe eye damage—potentially even permanent blindness. Unfortunately, many individuals aren’t taking this warning seriously. They’ve glanced at the sun, blinked, and thought, “What’s the harm?”
Dr. Laura Stevens, president of the National Optometric Society, told a news outlet that the consequences can be dire. Brief exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation can lead to photokeratitis, essentially a sunburn for your eyes. Ouch! This condition causes redness, tearing, and a sensation akin to something being lodged in your eye. Furthermore, without proper eyewear, looking at the sun during a partial eclipse can result in solar retinopathy, which inflicts actual damage to your retinas. There’s no safe time limit—just a few seconds of exposure can lead to irreversible harm.
So, you absolutely need special eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses won’t suffice, nor will looking through a telescope or camera lens.
Where to Find Eclipse Glasses
A great place to find these glasses? Your local library. Over 2 million pairs are being distributed by around 7,000 libraries nationwide. Check here to see if yours is participating. Science museums and state institutions may also offer free glasses (make sure to call ahead), and retailers like Warby Parker are handing out complimentary pairs at all their stores. Additionally, local public health departments, astronomical societies, and planetariums are excellent resources for obtaining safe viewing glasses. Any NASA viewing site will also be giving them away for free.
If you prefer to create your own glasses, you can easily make a solar viewer. One effective method is to construct a pinhole camera using a shoebox, a piece of foil, white paper, tape, a pin, and a box cutter. National Geographic provides straightforward instructions for making a simple solar viewer, which only requires two pieces of white cardboard.
Safety Tips
Remember, do not look directly at the sun until totality arrives. Once the sun is completely obscured by the moon, it’s safe to gaze upon it with the naked eye. Before and after that moment, however, eye protection is a must. And no, cloudy weather doesn’t offer a pass on this. Let’s avoid any reckless decisions during this astronomical event, because suffering from an eye sunburn sounds like an absolute nightmare.
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Summary
The Great American Solar Eclipse is a significant event that requires proper eye protection to prevent severe eye damage. Many individuals underestimate the dangers of looking directly at the sun, which can lead to conditions like photokeratitis and solar retinopathy. Obtaining certified eclipse glasses is essential, with options available at libraries, museums, and various retailers. It’s crucial to prioritize safety during this astronomical phenomenon.