When & How To See The Partial Solar Eclipse
NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN!!!!!!!
This Thursday we will be treated to a Partial Solar Eclipse across much of North America and here in North Texas.
The beginning of the eclipse will be Thursday afternoon. The sun will reach its maximum partial eclipse point just before the sun goes down Thursday evening. The sun will still be in partial eclipse after it sets.
Below is a look at key times and what the sun will look like.
NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN!!!!!!!
It is extremely important that you never look directly at the sun. Serious vision damage can occur.
There are ways, though, to enjoy the eclipse.
Below are some tips from NASA found here. NASA TIPS
"It is never safe to look at the sun with the naked eye. Even during a partial eclipse, when only a very small part of the sun is visible, viewing it without eye protection risks permanent eye damage or blindness. Listed below are a few ways of safely watching the eclipse. No matter which recommended technique you choose, do not stare continuously at the sun. Take breaks and give your eyes a rest. And, remember, don't use regular sunglasses -- they don't offer your eyes sufficient protection.
1) Projection: The safest and most inexpensive way to watch a partial solar eclipse is by projection. Place a pinhole or small opening in a card, and hold it between the sun and a screen – giant sheet of white paper works – a few feet away. An image of the sun will be seen on the screen. Projected images of the sun's crescent during an eclipse may even be seen on the ground in the small openings created by interlacing fingers, or in the dappled sunlight beneath a leafy tree. You can also use binoculars to project a magnified image of the sun on a white card. However, you must never look through the binoculars at the sun.
2) Filters: The sun can be viewed directly only when using filters specifically designed for this purpose. Such filters usually have a thin layer of aluminum, chromium or silver deposited on their surfaces. One of the most widely available filters for safe eclipse viewing is a #14 (or darker) welder's glass. A welding glass that permits you to see the landscape is not safe. Aluminized mylar manufactured specifically for solar observation can also be used. Mylar can easily be cut with scissors and adapted to any kind of box or viewing device. Only use filters that you know have been approved for solar viewing.
Unsafe filters include color film, some non-silver black and white film, medical x-ray films with images on them, smoked glass, photographic neutral density filters and polarizing filters. Solar filters designed to thread into eyepieces, which are often sold with inexpensive telescopes are also dangerous.
3) Telescopes with solar filters: There are sun-specific telescopes available for sale -- or perhaps through a local astronomy club -- that are also safe for viewing a partial eclipse."
