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Experts remind viewers to use safety when enjoying the eclipse

 

POLK COUNTY—On Monday, the first total solar eclipse visible in the United States since 2017 will take place. Although our area will only experience a partial eclipse, Polk County and Landrum residents should still be able to enjoy spectacular views.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth’s orbit and the sun, obscuring the sun’s view for a short period of time. When the moon completely blocks the sun, it is known as a totality. The path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse will run through parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

The upcoming solar eclipse will be visible in Polk County at approximately 3:09 p.m., and at its peak, the 85% totality will last roughly one-and-a-half seconds.

It is important to note that you should never look directly at the sun, especially during an eclipse. 

“Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing,” according to the website science.nasa.gov. “Viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.”

Solar viewing glasses, also known as “eclipse glasses,” or a safe handheld solar viewer are required to view the eclipse safely. 

To learn more, visit www.science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety.