Keep Safety in Mind During Solar Eclipse


August 21, 2017

Posted Wednesday, August 16, 2017 @ 7:14 PM

The chance to see the Sun’s true beauty during Monday’s solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it’s important to balance that excitement with safety precautions.

It will be the deepest solar eclipse visible from UCF in more than 47 years, and UCF’s Planetary Sciences Group and the College of Sciences will host a viewing party at the Reflecting Pond.

A limited supply of pecial eclipse glasses will be available at UCF’s event, along with two telescopes that allow attendees to safely see the eclipse.

Whether at UCF or viewing the eclipse from another location, it’s never safe to stare directly into the sun, experts say. It’s important to use eclipse glasses or take other precautions to avoid eye damage.

“In Central Florida, about 85 percent of the Sun will be blocked when the eclipse is deepest, but even then, that still leaves a lot of bright Sun, way more than unprotected or improperly-protected eyes can handle,” said Dr. Yan Fernandez, an associate professor in the Physics department and Director of the Robinson Observatory. “It’s important to protect your eyes the entire way through the eclipse if you watch it on Monday.”

Regular household items also can be used to make a pinhole camera, which is another way to safely view the eclipse. A how-to video featuring UCF planetary sciences students can be viewed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6WXU5At38g.

For more information about UCF’s event, which is free and open to the public, contact planets@physics.ucf.edu.

More details about the eclipse can be found at https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/.

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