Solar Eclipse Facts: Things to Know
Solar Eclipse Facts: Things to Know
Today the solar eclipse will span the United States, coast to coast, for the first time since the summer of 1918. This will impact areas from Oregon to South Carolina, turning daylight into twilight during one of the world’s most unique phenomenons. A total solar eclipse is defined as the point when the Moon completely covers the Sun; a total eclipse can only occur when the moon’s orbit is closest to the earth’s surface. Though the solar eclipse is one of the most unique, naturally occurring events, it must be viewed using proper eyewear to prevent eye damage.
The only safe way to view the partially eclipsed or uneclipsed sun is through special purpose solar filters/glasses or hand-held solar viewers. Regular sunglasses or homemade filters are not sufficient for viewing the sun during this time, as there is far too much sunlight that is still transmitted through regular or homemade lenses. Without proper eyewear the sun’s UV radiation will burn the retinas potentially causing permanent damage and perhaps blindness.
Here is a list of quick tips to safely view the eclipse:
- Cover your eyes with eclipse glasses or a solar viewer before looking up at the sun
- Be sure to remove glasses or viewer after looking away from the sun, never do this while still looking at the sun
- Do not look at the partial or uneclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, or binocularsÑeven if you are wearing glasses or a solar viewer
- Because the Black Hills are not on the path of totality, is important that glasses or solar viewer are used at all times
The Black Hills is not included in the path of totality, making it imperative that eclipse glasses or solar viewers are used throughout the entirety of the eclipse. Be sure to enjoy this beautiful, unique phenomenon, however please do so using proper eye safety.
