On August 21st North America will be getting a rare eclipse of the sun. I know my daughter has been talking about it for quite a while, and I had no clue how you watch it or where you get the glasses for it.
Manitoba will be getting a 70% eclipse, but some areas will be getting a total eclipse. (not of the heart, of the sun ;))
This is something worth getting ready for, and getting to see for sure. Since you’re never supposed to stare at the sun, even during an eclipse, you need some ISO certified solar filters/eclipse glasses. And if you’re like me, you have no idea where to get these! Luckily, the Manitoba Association of Optometrists has teamed up with Manitoba Museum to make these available. Your optometrist will have a certain number of shades for free but since it’s limited, if you miss out you can pick up a pair at the Manitoba Museum for $3 at the gift shop.
Here are their tips on how to safely view a solar eclipse:
- Because Manitoba will not experience a total eclipse, but only a 70% eclipse, there will be no time when it is safe to view the eclipse without eclipse glasses.
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Before the eclipse, check your eclipse shades carefully. If they are scratched ordamaged, they are not safe to use.
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Before looking up at the sun, put on your eclipse shades and don’t remove them untilafter you’ve looked away.
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Supervise children using eclipse shades to make sure the shades are undamaged, worncorrectly, and worn at all times while viewing the sun and partially–eclipsed sun.
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Never look at the sun or partially–eclipsed sun through sunglasses – even if yoursunglasses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection, they do not protect your eyesadequately when looking directly at the sun.
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Never look at the sun or partially–eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope,binoculars or other device. Consult an expert astronomer before using a specializedsolar filter on a device.
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Don’t use your eclipse shades in conjunction with a camera, telescope, binoculars orother optical device.