Tips from the American Astronomical Society on how to safely view the eclipse
How to view an eclipse directly:
The only way to view an eclipse is through specially designed solar filters, or eclipse glasses. Sunglasses are not enough protection.
If the glasses are scratched or otherwise damaged, don’t use them.
Hold solar glasses over your regular glasses if you wear them,
Remember to turn away from the sun before removing your solar glasses.
Don’t look through a camera, binoculars or telescope without a solar filter.
The only eclipse viewers who can remove their protection is those in complete totality and then only when everything’s entirely dark. Connecticut is not in the path of totality, so part of the sun will be visible – and therefore demand eye protection – the entire time.
What’s pinhole projection?
If you don’t have eclipse glasses, take a colander and stand with your back to the sun. Look at the ground below the holes – the shadow on the ground will show the sun as a crescent during the phases.
Source: eclipse.aas.org
Why is an eclipse more dangerous than everyday sun for your eyes?
Doctors would advise never to look into the sun; it outputs more light and power than our retinas, which have no pain sensors to warn you, were designed to handle. During an eclipse, when eyes are fully dilated as the skies darken, we’re set up for the most light, and the most damage, especially as totality can last seconds in some cases and the sun can “surprise” you with its return. In Connecticut, the sun will always be at least partially out, so there will be no moments of complete darkness.
Source: physlink.com.
Forecast points to clear skies in the Northeast
Some who hope to witness Monday’s total solar eclipse may see the sun obscured by clouds instead of by the moon.
There’s still some time for forecasts to change, but meteorologists predict that eclipse day storms could blanket parts of the path, which stretches from Mexico and Texas through Maine and parts of Canada.
If clouds don’t get in the way, viewers in the path wearing eclipse glasses will see the moon begin to slowly cover the sun until it is completely blocked, a period of darkness called “totality” during which temperatures drop and the sun’s corona will be visible.
What’s the forecast along the eclipse’s path?
Clouds are expected in much of the eclipse’s path Monday thanks to storms that are moving across the central U.S.
As of Friday afternoon, the Northeastern U.S. looks like it has the best chance of clear skies, along with large patch of the central U.S. near southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois.
Parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Texas are questionable. Northeast Texas, Chenard says, “could kind of go either way at this point.”
– Associated Press
Mexico may also have low to mid-level cloud cover. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
– Associated Press
