By: Jessica Thompson
Updated: Dec. 3, 2020
Originally Published: Aug. 14, 2017
As many are aware, on Monday, August 21, between 9:05 a.m. PDT and 1:16 p.m. EDT, depending on your location, the sun will begin to dim. Don’t panic; it’s not the apocalypse — it’s the Great American Solar Eclipse. This event will manifest as a partial solar eclipse across the entirety of mainland America, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and extending into northern South America.
However, the highlight of this astronomical event is a spectacular total eclipse that will sweep through a significant portion of the U.S., from Oregon to South Carolina. Fortunately, most Americans are within driving distance of what scientists refer to as “the path of totality.”
This brings about a major concern, aside from the inevitable traffic jams. For instance, South Carolina is preparing for this event as if it were a large-scale emergency, with the capital city alone expecting over 300,000 visitors. Good luck finding a hotel or a table at your favorite restaurant; officials are advising locals to stock up on necessities ahead of time.
But the biggest issue? The human tendency to disregard safety. Anyone who’s ever watched educational programs knows that viewing a solar eclipse requires special glasses; failing to do so can lead to severe eye damage — as in, you could go blind.
Dr. Michael Anderson, president of the National Optometric Society, recently shared with Newsweek that the consequences can be dire. Short exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation can result in photokeratitis, essentially a sunburn for your eyes. Ouch! Your eyes may become red and weepy, and you’ll feel like you have something irritating them. Additionally, without proper eyewear, gazing directly at the sun during a partial eclipse (or before and after totality) can lead to solar retinopathy, which damages the retina. Dr. Anderson emphasizes that even a brief glance can cause irreversible harm.
In short, you absolutely need specialized eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses won’t cut it, and neither will peering through a telescope or camera lens.
Where to Find Eclipse Glasses
Wondering where to find these glasses? Check your local library. Over 2 million pairs are being distributed across 7,000 libraries. You can also reach out to science museums or state institutions for free options (make a quick call first). Retailer Warby Parker is even giving away pairs at all their locations. Other resources worth checking include local public health departments, astronomical societies, and planetariums. NASA viewing sites will also provide glasses at no cost.
If purchasing glasses is your plan, ensure you buy from a reputable source. Various companies falsely advertise their products as “AOA Approved” on platforms like Amazon (trust me, I learned the hard way). The American Astronomical Society offers a list of verified vendors that you can view here.
DIY Solar Viewers
For those feeling crafty, consider making your own solar viewer. A simple pinhole camera can be created using a shoebox, a piece of tinfoil, a sheet of white paper, tape, and a pin or needle. National Geographic also offers straightforward instructions for creating an easy solar viewer, which only requires two pieces of white cardboard.
Whatever you do, do not stare directly at the sun until the moment of totality. Only when the moon completely obscures the sun is it safe to look without protection. Before and after that, your eyes need safeguarding. And no, overcast skies won’t suffice as a shield. Let’s avoid any reckless decisions during this celestial event — because an eye sunburn sounds utterly excruciating.
In summary, the Great American Solar Eclipse is a magnificent phenomenon that requires caution. Equip yourself with proper protective eyewear, be mindful of local preparations, and consider creating your own viewing tools. For those interested in pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on IVF from the NHS. If you’re curious about at-home insemination kits, you can find useful information on our blog here.