Solar eclipse myths and misconceptions — and the truth behind them

3 minutes, 46 seconds Read

[ad_1]

As certainly one of the largest marvels of science, the photo voltaic eclipse carries an aura — which might result in some mistaken assumptions.

Ahead of the April 8 eclipse, Prevent Blindness, a Chicago well being and security group devoted to preventing blindness and saving sight, is encouraging eye security by dispelling some frequent misconceptions surrounding the eclipse.

SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024: 8 STRANGE THINGS THAT COULD HAPPEN DURING THE RARE EVENT

Jeff Todd, president and CEO of the group, shared with Fox News Digital a few of the largest myths — and the truths round them. 

Myth 1: It’s OK to take a look at the solar for only a minute or two

One frequent false impression is the perception that it’s secure to take a look at the solar if it’s just for a minute or two, Todd mentioned.  

“Eclipse viewers should never look directly at the sun, as it can cause permanent eye damage,” he warned. 

Americans watching solar eclipse

Ahead of the April 8 eclipse, a Chicago well being and security group devoted to preventing blindness and saving sight known as Prevent Blindness is encouraging eye security by dispelling some frequent misconceptions surrounding the eclipse. (Getty Images)

“Exposing your eyes to the sun without proper eye protection during a solar eclipse can cause ‘eclipse blindness’ or retinal burns, also known as solar retinopathy.”

SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024: WHERE AND HOW TO VIEW THE RARE ORBIT HITTING THE US

Todd acknowledged, nonetheless, that there’s a very transient interval throughout a complete photo voltaic eclipse when it may be secure to take away your glasses.  

SOLAR ECLIPSE EYE SAFETY: CAN STARING AT THE SUN CAUSE BLINDNESS? 

“The only time it is safe to do so without proper protection or equipment occurs when the moon is completely covering the sun — and even then, viewers should do so cautiously,” he advised Fox News Digital. 

Solar eclipse viewing

“Exposing your eyes to the sun without proper eye protection during a solar eclipse can cause ‘eclipse blindness’ or retinal burns, also known as solar retinopathy,” an professional warned. (Helen Comer/Daily News Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK/Imagn)

It can also be essential to know that not all eclipses are the similar, Todd famous.

“It is never safe to look at a partial solar eclipse — at any time during the event — without proper eye protection.”

Myth 2: It’s secure to take a look at the eclipse by means of your smartphone 

Watching a photo voltaic eclipse in your smartphone digital camera can put you vulnerable to by chance taking a look at the solar when attempting to line up your digital camera and stage an ideal shot, Todd warned — and it’s additionally potential that this might injury your smartphone digital camera.   

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE: TIPS FOR AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS 

“Thinking that it’s safe to use your camera’s viewfinder is another common misconception,” he mentioned. 

“Looking at a solar eclipse through the optical viewfinder of a camera can damage your eyes in the same way that looking at the sun directly without proper protection can.”

“It is never safe to look at a partial solar eclipse — at any time during the event — without proper eye protection,” an professional warned. (iStock)

There are methods to soundly {photograph} an eclipse, nonetheless.

“If you’re planning on trying to capture your own solar eclipse photos or videos, take the time to review the guidelines in advance to ensure that you are properly prepared,” he suggested.

Myth 3: Eclipses emit dangerous rays that may trigger blindness

Although it’s by no means OK to look instantly at the solar, the concept that eclipses emit dangerous rays that may trigger blindness is a false impression, in keeping with Todd.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“If you’re using proper eye protection and practicing caution, you can safely experience the solar eclipse,” he mentioned.  

Solar eclipse

A complete photo voltaic eclipse is pictured on Aug. 21, 2017, in Madras, Oregon. (ROB KERR/AFP by way of Getty Images)

“Always consult an eye care professional for additional guidance if you have questions or concerns about eye safety.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Todd inspired those that shall be viewing the complete photo voltaic eclipse on Monday to make security a high precedence.  

Additional info and assets from security consultants on-line might be discovered at PreventBlindness.org.

For extra Health articles, go to www.foxnews.com/well being.

[ad_2]

Source hyperlink

Similar Posts