Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, an amazing astronomical event will take place when a total solar eclipse will move across North America, including a path of totality from Texas to Maine in the United States.  A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and Sun and blocks the Sun’s light.  While Atlanta won’t be within the path of a total solar eclipse, we will be able to experience a partial eclipse where the moon will block about 85% of the sun.

Safety will be a priority if your family will be observing the solar eclipse.  Here are some suggestions per NASA and the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

    ⁃    Avoid looking at the sun directly.  Staring at the sun without appropriate eye protection can lead to permanent eye damage and vision loss. There is no treatment for the eye once damage has occurred.
    ⁃    Wear solar eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2 international standards, view the eclipse indirectly using  a pinhole camera (do not view the Sun directly through the pinhole), or watch the eclipse indirectly on a screen.  Regular sunglasses are NOT safe for viewing.
    ⁃    Use a special solar filter on your camera, binoculars, or telescope to prevent eye injury.  Do NOT use eclipse glasses or viewers as filters.
    ⁃    Wear eclipse glasses at ALL times when viewing a partial solar eclipse.  The only time it is safe to remove glasses during an eclipse is during the short period of totality, when the moon completely covers the Sun.  In places that will only see a partial eclipse, like Atlanta, there will be no safe time to remove eclipse glasses during the solar eclipse. 
    ⁃    Take sun precautions for your skin: wear a brimmed hat, sun protective clothing, and sunscreen of at least SPF 30 on exposed skin.

Check out this link from the AAP for further information: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/how-can-i-safely-watch-a-solar-eclipse-with-my-children.aspx

Enjoy!