How to view the coming eclipse
(AP Photo, File)
This March 9, 2016 file photo shows a total solar eclipse in Belitung, Indonesia. Wyoming state tourism officials say the solar eclipse passing over the entire length of Wyoming in August could give the state economy a much needed boost.
(Harrisburg) — A total solar eclipse is coming to a swath of America on August 21st and here in Pennsylvania parts of the Commonwealth will see more than three-quarters eclipse.
When we were kids, it was fashionable to craft a pinhole cardboard viewer for an eclipse.
That still works but we all know it’s more fun to actually watch the sun as the moon comes between it and the Earth.
Dr. Robert Bergren, President-Elect of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, says that viewing an eclipse directly without proper protection can cause permanent damage to your retinas.
“You need to use special lenses and they are available. They are very different than sunglasses. They block the UV light and they block considerable light, so they are nothing like regular sunglasses. If you use regular sunglasses you aren’t properly protecting your eyes,” Bergren said.
NASA says to look at the sun, you need at least #14 welder’s glass lenses.
Depending on where you are in Pennsylvania, the celestial event will take place between about 2:00pm and 3:20pm on the afternoon of the 21st.
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