This summer, many residents of the Continental United States will have the opportunity to see something that hasn't happened to American observers since June 8, 1918. On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will be seen by many along its designated path, which includes southern Idaho. For those hoping to observe this interesting and inspiring event, planning and safety are vital.
While sunglasses provide protection from ultraviolet radiation for normal outdoor activities, they do not provide adequate protection from the potent ultraviolet and infrared radiation to which eclipse observers will be exposed so the important consideration about viewing this unique and transitory celestial event is eye protection. Even as the Sun's visible light is dimmed by the eclipse, observers may unknowingly expose themselves to harmful UV and IR radiation. Observers who have the right protection will be able to view the event without any damage to their eyes. Those who don't know how to view it properly will be at high risk for permanent vision loss.
Commercially available solar eclipse glasses can be purchased from many stores and online retailers. You can identify these products by looking for a particular code. When viewing the eclipse, use only eyewear that is ISO certified for solar eclipse viewing, which will have the code ISO 12312-2 (or the longer version, which reads ISO 12312-2:2015). These products are very inexpensive and can be purchased as singles and also in multi-packs so you can make sure that friends and family members watching the eclipse with you have the proper protection. In this case, the old saying that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" applies, though instead of an ounce, we may say "a dollar" while also noting that solar retinopathy is associated with permanent eye damage and vision loss for which there is no cure at any cost.
Enjoy the eclipse, but enjoy it safely. Protect yourself and your family with the right safety eyewear so you'll all be able to see the eclipse, but more importantly, so that you'll be able to see everything that comes after it for the rest of your life. For more information on the eclipse, the following links are recommended:
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/safety2.html.
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/idaho-falls
https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com
While sunglasses provide protection from ultraviolet radiation for normal outdoor activities, they do not provide adequate protection from the potent ultraviolet and infrared radiation to which eclipse observers will be exposed so the important consideration about viewing this unique and transitory celestial event is eye protection. Even as the Sun's visible light is dimmed by the eclipse, observers may unknowingly expose themselves to harmful UV and IR radiation. Observers who have the right protection will be able to view the event without any damage to their eyes. Those who don't know how to view it properly will be at high risk for permanent vision loss.
Commercially available solar eclipse glasses can be purchased from many stores and online retailers. You can identify these products by looking for a particular code. When viewing the eclipse, use only eyewear that is ISO certified for solar eclipse viewing, which will have the code ISO 12312-2 (or the longer version, which reads ISO 12312-2:2015). These products are very inexpensive and can be purchased as singles and also in multi-packs so you can make sure that friends and family members watching the eclipse with you have the proper protection. In this case, the old saying that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" applies, though instead of an ounce, we may say "a dollar" while also noting that solar retinopathy is associated with permanent eye damage and vision loss for which there is no cure at any cost.
Enjoy the eclipse, but enjoy it safely. Protect yourself and your family with the right safety eyewear so you'll all be able to see the eclipse, but more importantly, so that you'll be able to see everything that comes after it for the rest of your life. For more information on the eclipse, the following links are recommended:
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/safety2.html.
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/idaho-falls
https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com