WCS Encourages Safe Viewing Of Upcoming Solar Eclipse
WARSAW — On Monday, Aug. 21, all of North America will be treated to a front row seat of a total solar eclipse. This eclipse has garnered immense national attention with millions planning to view the celestial event both as it unfolds and online, Warsaw Community Schools would like to remind both students and the community to be safe when gazing at the solar system’s largest star. The event will begin at approximately 12:57 p.m. with the maximum eclipse taking place at 2:25 p.m. Conclusion is estimated locally at 3:47 p.m.
Looking directly at the sun is unsafe for viewers’ eyes except during a brief total phase of an eclipse known as totality. Though Indiana will have a spectacular view of the eclipse, no location in Indiana will experience totality. Only those within a roughly 70-mile-wide path from Oregon to South Carolina will be able to view the sun during totality safely without eye protection.
Those viewing the eclipse locally are strongly recommended to utilize eye protection when viewing the eclipse at any point during the event. Due to this, Warsaw Community Schools will provide solar safety glasses for all students. Due to the rise of fake and unsafe “eclipse glasses,” Warsaw Community Schools has purchased safety glasses from an American Astronomical Society approved vendor – Explore Scientific USA (see list here: https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters.) These glasses use a special-purpose solar filter to protect eyes from the damaging effects of staring directly at the sun. NASA has recommended viewers only use lenses with a certified shade protection of 14.
NASA reminds those viewing the eclipse to not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars or other optical device, Similarly, do not use any of these devices while wearing your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer. The concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing serious injury. No matter what recommended technique utilized to view the eclipse, NASA recommends not staring at the sun continuously and to continuously give your eyes a rest. In addition, NASA notes those viewing the eclipse should not use sunglasses as they are not sufficient protection for your eyes. NASA has recommended viewers only use lenses with a certified shade protection of 14.
