WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — There’s no question that the solar eclipse that takes place on April 8 is generating a lot of excitement. Some people will experience a total eclipse. For others across the United States and parts of North America, the experience will get pretty darn close to total.
People may realize they shouldn’t look into the sky as the Sun and the Moon do their thing, at least, not without using some kind of protective eyewear. If you wonder what makes it so dangerous, here’s the reason.
The Sun puts off a huge amount of energy, which includes ultraviolet and infrared radiation. (No surprise there.) If you look at it directly when there’s an eclipse, even briefly, you could be left with solar retinopathy.
Solar retinopathy is a rare condition that damages the retina. There’s a lesion left on the eye as as result. Although the condition is rare, it often is associated with viewing a solar eclipse without protection. Gazing at the sun, generally, can be a cause, but, remember that as a whole, we’re talking about a rare condition.
Something important to keep in mind is that the same potential danger exists if you look at a solar eclipse through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope that doesn’t have a special solar filter over the front of it. The risk of instant and severe damage to the eye is there.
NASA has a vast amount of resources compiled to help people ensure they’re looped in on solar eclipse safety. You can find more about how to protect yourself and your eyes so that you can enjoy the event that doesn’t happen very often.
