How to Safely Watch the Annular Solar Eclipse: Tips and Recommendations

1 of 2 In Ceará, more than 10 thousand glasses suitable for observing a solar eclipse were distributed — Photo: MCTI/Divulgação In Ceará, more than 10 thousand glasses suitable for observing a solar eclipse were distributed — Photo: MCTI/Divulgação

An annular solar eclipse should make the night “come early” on October 14th. Daylight should decrease when much of the sun is covered by the moon, but looking directly at the sky will still be harmful to human vision. So, how to watch the solar eclipse without any problems? g1 provides tips on what to do and what to avoid.

Are photographic films and x-rays good options? 🎞️

The answer is no, according to amateur astronomer Lauriston Trindade. He reported that the materials that make up these items do not protect against ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun, which are harmful to the human eye — such as causing cataracts and even blindness.

“The moon will cover around 90% of the sun, and there will be an edge still appearing, in the shape of a ring. This still generates a lot of shine. It is practically impossible to look directly, because the sun will still be very bright”, commented Lauriston.

So, will a good pair of sunglasses do the trick? 😎

The answer is also no. Even though it offers UV protection, it is not reliable to watch the solar eclipse protected only by sunglasses due to the light that will still remain with the exposed portion of the sun.

“These items block some of the light, but ultraviolet rays will still be passing through; and they are the ones who damage the vision. It’s not the intensity of the light, it’s the type of radiation”, explained Lauriston.

So, what are the best options for watching the annular solar eclipse? 🤨

Welding filter No. 14: the name may not be common, but the item is easily found on online websites and construction material stores. The filter varies in price, but should not exceed R$5.

Specific glasses for viewing the eclipse: the item can be found on online sales websites and applications for around R$10.

2 of 2 Annular solar eclipse recorded in Ottawa, Canada — Photo: Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP Annular solar eclipse recorded in Ottawa, Canada — Photo: Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP

The last eclipse of this type was seen in Fortaleza, for the last time, in 1995. And the prediction is that the next one will take another 22 years. “It’s going to be one of those things where everything gets dark, day turns to night. It’s going to be really cool”, predicts Lauriston.

He said that the best places to see the eclipse on the 14th, in Ceará, are the center-south, Inhamuns and Cariri. On the coast and in the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza, the forecast is that the sun will be shaped like a crescent moon.

The eclipse is expected to begin between mid and late afternoon. “We hope that, at this time of year, it won’t be so cloudy. We must have a good opportunity”, commented the amateur astronomer.

Watch the most viewed videos from Ceará

2023-10-08 07:34:52
#Annular #solar #eclipse #check #tips #observing #phenomenon #damaging #vision