Safety Tips And Glasses For Viewing A Eclipse

​Will you be one of the millions of Americans to head outside on Aug. 21 to gaze up at the eclipse that will be visible from Oregon to South Carolina? If so, please be sure to wear eye protection. The fact is that it's never safe to view the sun with the naked eye. The sun’s surface is so bright that if you stare at any portion of it, no matter how small, it produces enough light to permanently damage your retina. Look below and you'll find information from NASA on how to create your own Solar Eclipse Glasses.
The American Optometric Association warns that the length of time you look at a eclipse doesn't matter. Without proper eye protection, you can suffer what is called eclipse blindness, which is a serious injury causing harm to the eye’s retina by solar radiation. Remember, this can happen within seconds of starring at the sun, so it is advised that you take precautions.
While most people will eventually recover their eyesight, some may suffer permanent loss of some or all of their vision. To avoid harm to your eyes it is suggested you wear solar filters, special eclipse glasses or welder's goggles to view the partial eclipse. Experts suggests that one widely available filter for safe solar viewing is number 14 welder's glass.
A partial eclipse will be visible everywhere across the nation as well as in the hours before and after a far shorter total eclipse, which will only be visible for 2-3 minutes along a 67-mile wide path from Oregon to South Carolina.Be aware that the only time it's ever safe to look at the sun is during a total eclipse, when the sun is completely behind the moon. However, holding binoculars or any other device while you're wearing your eclipse glasses or other eye protection can still cause injury because the concentrated solar rays damage the solar filter and enter your eye.
If you buy eclipse glasses, be sure that they are made by one of the five companies the American Astronomical Society has certified as safe for use. The companies are American Paper Optics, the Baader Planetarium (in Germany), Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17.
​What will be amazing during the Great American Eclipse is that when the moon completely blocks the sun for 2 or 3 minutes during the total eclipse you'll be able to see the stars and planets!
NASA Helps You Make Your Own Solar Eclipse Glasses
Don't have a pair of glasses to view the eclipse yet? No Problem, NASA has you covered with a handy guide to creating your own glasses. And, you can even make them to match the state you're viewing the eclipse in - isn't that clever!
While some folks will catch the TOTAL solar eclipse, many of us will be treated to a PARTIAL eclipse, which is still pretty cool. 
Where will you be during the TOTAL solar eclipse? 
Wherever you choose to view the Total Solar Eclipse we hope you have a safe and memorable experience!