10/10/2023
🌒 On October 14th, there will be a partial solar eclipse visible from Michigan! 🌘 Here are some tips to protect your eyes if you plan on viewing the eclipse:
1) Wear Solar Eclipse-Safe Glasses 🕶✅ - The safest way to view a solar eclipse is to wear certified solar eclipse glasses. These glasses have special filters that can block out the harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays from the sun. If you can't find solar eclipse glasses, welding glasses with a shade rating of 12 or higher can be used to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse. However, not all welding glasses are safe, so make sure they are appropriate for solar viewing. Do not attempt to create your own solar filters using materials like sunglasses, exposed film, or smoked glass. These methods may not provide sufficient protection.
2) Brief Glimpses 🫣 - If you're unable to obtain proper eclipse glasses or viewers, never look directly at the sun. However, you can briefly look at the sun during the eclipse's maximum phase when the sun is almost entirely covered by the moon. But this should be done sparingly and for very short durations.
3) Use Solar Filters for Cameras and Smartphones 📸 - If you want to capture the eclipse with a camera or smartphone, make sure to use appropriate solar filters over the camera lens. Don't point your camera or smartphone directly at the sun without proper protection.
4) Stay Informed 👀‼️ - Keep track of the eclipse's progress and make sure you're ready to view it safely when it occurs.
