Next Monday, April 8, the Philadelphia area is expected to experience a near-total solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face, also known as totality, and day momentarily turns into night. At its peak, the sun will be about 85% eclipsed by the moon in our area.
While this event is exciting and rare, while enjoying this astronomical event you want to do so safely. Cooper University Health Care encourages everyone to follow these guidelines to ensure a memorable and safe viewing experience.
- Use Proper Eye Protection: It is essential to use proper eye protection when viewing an eclipse. Never look directly at the sun without certified solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers. Regular sunglasses or homemade filters are not safe for eclipse viewing, which can cause severe eye damage. Always check equipment quality to ensure that your solar viewing glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Inspect them for any scratches, damages, or signs of wear before use. (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2024)
- Supervise Children: If you are viewing the eclipse with children, make sure to closely supervise them and provide well-fitting eye protection that meets the above standards. Children should be taught the dangers of looking at the sun during an eclipse without eye protection. (NASA, 2024)
- Keep Pets Indoors: If you have pets, keep them indoors during the eclipse to prevent them from looking directly at the sun. Animals’ eyes are also susceptible to solar damage. (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2024)
- Avoid Optical Devices: Do not attempt to view the eclipse through cameras, binoculars, telescopes, or any other optical devices without approved solar filters. These devices can magnify sunlight and cause eye injuries. (American Astronomical Society, 2024)
- Find a Safe Viewing Spot: Make sure to find a safe viewing spot that has an unobstructed view of the sky, away from tall buildings, trees, or other potential hazards. (NASA, 2024)
- Wear Eye Protection Until Full Uncovering: Once the eclipse is over, continue wearing eye protection until the sun is completely uncovered. Dispose of old or damaged solar viewing glasses properly and do not reuse them for future eclipses. (NASA, 2024)
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the rare and exciting solar eclipse safely and protect your eyes from harm.