Total Eclipse? Well a Partial Solar Eclipse if you’re in Europe, northern/eastern Asia and northern/western Africa. But let’s not be picky here!
In a partial solar eclipse, the Sun looks like the Moon has taken a bite out of it. This is because the Moon casts the lighter, outer part of its shadow, the penumbra, on Earth. For us here in London the max view will be at 9.31am but will start at 8.25am. In London, 84% of the Sun will be covered.
Our last eclipse like this was back in 1999 and just like before, the way we view an eclipse has stayed the same.
A spokeswoman for The Royal College of Ophthalmologists said: “The general public must remember that they should not look directly at the Sun or at a solar eclipse, either with the naked eye, even if dark filters such as sunglasses or photographic negatives are used, nor through optical equipment such as cameras, binoculars or telescopes. There is no safe system to directly view an eclipse. Particular care should be taken with children. Children should not be allowed to look directly at the Sun at any time.”
So how can you view a Total Eclipse safely?
Pinhole – the safest, cheapest and arguably most convenient way to view. You can use paper, slotted spoon – even a colander. Here’s a great video explaining how to make one from a shoe box!
Glasses – purchase solar eclipse viewing glasses. These must be the real deal – not 3D glasses or anything similar. Top Tip If you buy the BBC’s Sky At Night magazine from a newsagent for £5 you’ll get a free pair. Amazon have a lot on offer – £44.99 for 5 pairs. These are the basic cardboard model, so seem pretty expensive for what they are, but they are CE approved.
However wherever you get your glasses from be sure they are a reputable source.
Submit your review | |