As a rare partial solar eclipse approaches, experts are emphasizing the importance of eye safety. The event, during which the moon will cover 90 to 96 percent of the sun, requires viewers to take precautions to avoid potential retinal damage.
Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause harm to the retina without any immediate pain, according to The Royal College of Ophthalmologists. To safely observe the phenomenon, specialized equipment is necessary.
Certified eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers are recommended. Legitimate pairs should bear the safety certification ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312-2:2015. The government has advised against using eclipse glasses if the lenses are scratched, torn, or damaged.
Alternatively, safe indirect viewing methods can be employed. A pinhole projector, which can be easily constructed at home, allows for indirect observation by projecting the sun's image onto a surface. Other safe options include viewing the eclipse through a colander or the gaps between leaves on a tree. These methods allow for observation without the need for specialized eyewear.