PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — -- On Monday, 21 August 2017, a perfect lineup of the sun, moon, and Earth will be visible across North America from coast to coast for the first time in 38 years. One of the grandest and most fleeting natural spectacles known to humanity, this total solar eclipse is predicted to be the most viewed ever. Here are five things for Airmen and families to know for a safe viewing experience:
1. The path of “totality”—when the moon entirely blocks the sun’s face—will stretch from Salem, Oregon, starting at 1016 and reach Charleston, South Carolina, at 1448. This means Mountain Home, F.E. Warren, Offutt, Scott, Arnold, Shaw, and Charleston will briefly experience near 100% eclipse, while the rest of the United States will see at least 70-90% to include Peterson AFB and Schreiver AFB.
2. Looking directly at the solar eclipse without proper eye protection is unsafe and can cause serious permanent eye damage. The lone exception is during the brief total phase of the eclipse which will last under 3 minutes and only within the 70-mile wide band of totality. Outside of that window, there will be harmful rays for the duration of the celestial event.
3. Homemade filters and standard sunglasses—even dark or polarized ones—are not sufficient to prevent eye damage. This also goes for unfiltered cameras, telescopes, binoculars, and other optical devices. The only safe way to directly view the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters (“eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers) that are “CE” certified and meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Look for these at community centers, public libraries, and through reputable manufacturers online. Those within the narrow band of totality can remove the solar viewer when the moon completely covers the sun and should replace it for the remaining partial phases. Always supervise children using solar viewers as young eyes are particularly susceptible to solar exposure damage.
4. Indirect viewing techniques are a safe and fun alternative. Pinhole projectors using your hands, cereal boxes, or other projection techniques are popular ways to safely observe a solar eclipse. Look online for instructions on how to make a simple projector. For the safest viewing experience, NASA will host a livestream “Eclipse Megacast” with exclusive multi-platform coverage across the path of totality.
5. For more information and resources to safely enjoy the rare solar eclipse, contact the Peterson AFB optometry clinic at 556-1065. NASA also has a safety section at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov. Remember, NEVER look directly at the sun with the naked eye except during the brief total phase. If you experience problems with your eyes or vision following the eclipse, be sure to check in with the optometry clinic.