Looking at the sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a solar filter designed for such purposes can lead to severe eye damage. Therefore, experts recommend the use of safe solar viewing glasses or a secure handheld solar viewer throughout the event. It’s essential to note that regular sunglasses do not offer adequate protection for sun viewing.
Dr. Emily Drabek-Maunder, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, echoes these cautions, emphasizing that even a partially eclipsed sun can inflict severe and permanent eye damage.
She advises, “Never look at the Sun directly or use standard sunglasses; it can cause serious harm to your eyes.” As an alternative, she suggests creating a simple projector by poking a small hole in a piece of card for safe viewing. With these precautions in mind, you can prepare to witness the astonishing Ring of Fire Eclipse with both awe and safety.
A Global Sky Event
The path of this year’s annular solar eclipse extends over a 125-mile-long trajectory from Oregon to Brazil, encompassing diverse regions and countries.