Eclipse Safety and Fun

How often do you look at the Sun without proper eye protection?

That should be a big NEVER – unless you have a desire to ruin your eyesight, just don’t do it.

So, now we have a solar/lunar event coming up that begs our attention. It doesn’t need to beg does it – the media coverage is quite sufficient. That’s a good thing. Along with the hype we get safety tips, and that’s so important. With that in mind let’s reinforce the safety aspect, so the fun isn’t spoiled.

For this article I’m focusing on the October 14th Annular Solar Eclipse, where and how to see it, what to expect. How to protect your precious eyes and have a great time!

But first, a quick refresher on this type of eclipse. An annular solar eclipse is NOT a total solar eclipse, it is a special type of PARTIAL solar eclipse. Proper eye protection is a must from start to finish! The unique thing about an annular solar eclipse is the Moon gets right in front of the Sun, just like a total solar eclipse, but its position between the Sun and Earth is too far from Earth to cover the Sun entirely. What we get is a thin but dangerously bright ring of sunlight (an annulus) that many call “the ring of fire”. So, it exhibits a different form of partial solar eclipse, much more interesting in my opinion.

WHERE TO SEE ANNULARITY

Many libraries, organizations, and even some city parks are having eclipse events. Go online or call for details.

Look at the map I included. It’s from timeanddate.com and all I did was enter New Braunfels, TX as my location to access it. Bear in mind this map is just a piece of the whole, focused on our general area. Going east or northeast from New Braunfels takes you away from annularity. For example, western New Braunfels is just on the edge of annularity. Canyon Lake will not see annularity, but it will be close. San Marcos will not see annularity.

Going west or southwest takes you into the best annularity viewing. San Antonio and surrounding towns will have annularity. See the dashed red line going through Hondo? That’s the annularity centerline, where annularity lasts longest.

HOW TO SEE THE ANNULAR ECLIPSE

You do not need a telescope or binoculars. That’s called zero power. Check out timeanddate.com for your location’s eclipse timing. You can also use anything with small holes to “project” images of the eclipse on the ground or a piece of paper.

WHAT TO EXPECT

It’s a 3-hour process from start to finish, with annularity lasting mere minutes, so be patient and enjoy the journey.

EYE PROTECTION

The American Astronomical Society (aas.org) has a boatload of information about protecting your eyes and recommended solar viewing  glasses vendors. Your local library will also have information.