Protect your eyes during the upcoming eclipse

On Monday, April 8, many parts of Indiana, including Bloomington, will experience a total solar eclipse while other areas in the state may see a partial eclipse.

The total solar eclipse is rare and you should make sure you know how to enjoy the event while staying safe in addition to wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated.

Follow safety precautions

Temporary or permanent eye damage can occur if you stare directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun without proper solar filters/viewers.

Direct viewing

Special eclipse viewers with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 filters are required for safe viewing during eclipse partial phases.

Not all solar filters/viewers are actually safe to use.

Visit the American Astronomical Society's website for a list of reputable solar filter vendors or check your local library or science museum to see if they offer free viewers.

Do not use damaged filters. This includes tears, dents and scratches.

Do not use water, glass cleaner, baby/wet wipes, or any other solvents or liquids to clean the filters. The American Astronomical Society suggests using a soft, nonabrasive tissue or cloth such as a microfiber cloth.

Indirect viewing

With your back to the sun, look at the shadow cast by a pinhole onto white paper. Do not look at the sun directly through the pinhole.

Have eye discomfort or changes to your vision after viewing the eclipse?

Contact your local optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Additional resources

Visit NASA's website for more information about enjoying the upcoming total solar eclipse safely. More resources, including a more detailed map, can be found here.

More information related to the 2024 total solar eclipse will be shared in the upcoming weeks.

Source: NASA and the American Astronomical Society (AAS).