Photo: Paukrus via Flickr
This Friday we will be able to observe a solar eclipse, but don’t put your eyesight at risk. According to Phil Norton of the Lincoln Astronomical Society, staring at the sun is incredibly dangerous.
“The best advice is to follow it on TV. The [Lincoln] Astronomical Society will be posting live pictures through special telescopes in North Hykeham on our website”, he said.
“According to the current weather forecasts the Sun will be in and out between clouds, so we will not be able to observe everything.”
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and Earth and the Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun. The eclipse will take place from 08:30 am on Friday.
UV radiation from the Sun can burn the retinas in our eyes, which can cause permanent damage or blindness. Even just a few seconds of direct exposure is dangerous. To view the eclipse safely, the Sun’s rays must be filtered away.
It is recommended to use a pinhole projector, specially designed eclipse glasses or welder’s glasses rated 14 or above when viewing the eclipse.
Viewing through smoked glass or regular sunglasses will not offer any protection.