How To Safely Look At A Solar Eclipse: Tips To See 2019's Final Solar Eclipse Safely

Solar eclipses or eclipses in general, are definitely one of the most extraordinary occurrences in the space, that we can witness while staying on the ground. And today is the day of the final Solar Eclipse of 2019.

The solar eclipse is set to start at 10:25 PM Indian Standard Time which is about 12:55 PM EDT, and the total eclipse is slated to last for 4 minutes and 33 seconds. If you're like me and love to look up at the sky when the moon covers the sun in unison, you need to use these steps to safely enjoy the Solar Eclipse.

1. Safely Look At Solar Eclipse Through Dark Glass

It is very unsafe to look at the sun directly during a solar eclipse as it can cause irreparable damage to your eyes and can also result in blindness. If you want to look at the solar eclipse in all its glory, It is highly advisable that you look at it through a dark welder's glass of #14 or darker. Additionally, if you have a telescope at home, you could also view it using a solar eclipse filter that gets attached to the lens of the telescope for safe viewing. Don't use sunglasses, whether polarised or otherwise, as they're no good in combating the harmful sun rays.

2. Safely Look at Solar Eclipse using a Home-made Pinhole Projector

If you can't get yourself a welder's glass or a telescope with a solar eclipse filter, don't worry. We've got another way through which you can witness the solar eclipse, without really worrying about it affecting your eyes- through a pinhole projector. All you need is two white cardboard sheets, a bulletin board pin and a pair of strong arms to do some lifting.

First, take a sheet of white cardboard and pierce a hole in the centre of the sheet. The hole should be tiny, but with a clean round shape.

Now, sit near the window or outside with your back to the sun. Place the second unpierced sheet in front of you. This sheet will be our screen for the grand premiere.

Raise your hand and angle the sheet of paper in a way which will reflect the sunlight. The reflection will project on the screen sheet in front of you and created an upside-down image. Viola! You've just made yourself a pinhole projector! Look at the screen and enjoy the solar eclipse!

3. Safely Look at Solar Eclipse on TV or Online

If you're too lazy to try the pin-hole projector, or if it's going to be the night when the eclipse is occurring, you can simply watch a live broadcast on your local TV network or online on YouTube. NASA will be conducting a live stream of the solar eclipse so you can totally check that out. It is definitely the safest and the easiest way of the lot.

4. Never Look at an Eclipse Directly

It is very important to note that you must not look at the eclipse directly, either through your naked eye or through sunglasses or any other kind of glass except the ones mentioned above. The Sun's UV radiation is at its peak during an eclipse and can easily burn the retinas in the eyes leading to permanent damage or even blindness. This irreparable damage can occur even with exposure to direct sunlight for just a few seconds. No amount of viewing is worth losing your eyesight, so watch responsibly and enjoy!