Eclipse Eye Safety

Information from NASA.gov

Shared 4/3/24

As you may have heard, Northern New England is being gifted with the experience of a solar eclipse this coming Monday,  April 8th. Depending on where you are the ‘totality’ of the eclipse will vary. If you plan on attending the Converse Free Library’s Eclipse viewing party from 2-4pm on Monday, April 8th you can expect to experience 95% darkness caused by the eclipse.

This is an exciting opportunity to view natural wonder with friends, family and neighbors. That said, it’s also an opportunity to utilize appropriate eye safety equipment so you can safely enjoy this event. According to NASA.gov:

Eye Safety During a Total Solar Eclipse

Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.

Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. (NASA.gov)

Many libraries and science organizations in the community have been distributing Eclipse glasses. NASA notes that it’s important to be aware that, “Eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses; regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun.” If you weren’t lucky enough to snag a pair of eclipse glasses, it is possible to still enjoy the experience through an indirect viewing method. NASA has a few options for making indirect viewing methods at home. Visit their website for instructions here.

However you decide to enjoy the eclipse this coming Monday, please do so safely following NASA’s guidelines for eye safety.

In case you missed Judy’s email to the Listserv, Converse Free Library has some wonderful Eclipse specific programs and events:

🌄 SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 11 a.m.Solar Eclipse Story Time with Miss Judy. Stories, rhymes, and science! Best for ages 3-7, but siblings are welcome. No need to pre-register. 

☀️ MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2-4 p.m.Solar Eclipse “Viewing” at the Library. Although Lyme is not in the path of totality (a phrase I am definitely working into my permanent vocabulary once this is over), we can expect 95% darkness Monday afternoon. If you do not have any specific plans on Monday and you’d like to experience this historic event in the company of others, please stop by the library. The partial eclipse is expected to begin around 2:15 and the “total” coverage will be around 3:25 p.m. We’ll gather in the front yard for the key moments, or you can simply relax indoors for conversation and company. Since the school’s April break is next week, you can park at the school, too. Whatever eclipse glasses we have leftover from our big giveaway will be available on Monday for this gathering.

🕶️ Yes, we still have eclipse glasses, but they are going fast! (If you have reserved a pair, we are holding them, no worries.) Thanks to the amazing Friends of Lyme Library, we are distributing two pairs per household, while supplies last (Lyme residents only, please). Please stop in and pick yours up any time we are open (check ahead in questionable weather). If you’d like to reserve 1 or 2 pairs, just reply to this email. For more information about the eclipse and where to see it best (weather permitting) in New Hampshire, visit nhsolareclipse.com.

Works Cited:

“Safety.” NASA, NASA, science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2024.Your Content Goes Here

Every Wednesday, CommunityCare of Lyme lifts up a wellness topic, embracing the widest possible definition of individual and community well-being. We include local and national resources, individual and group programs and practices, and personal stories, videos, or songs that have something to teach us all. We are always seeking guest contributors! 

If you have a wellness-themed topic you would like to share or learn more about, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org

Shelby Wood
Manager of Volunteer Participation
CommunityCare of Lyme
Shelby@cclyme.org
802-468-7776 (cell)
603-795-0603 (CCL office and help line)