CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - On April 8, between 1:45 p.m. and 4:26 p.m., Charlotte residents will be able to witness a spectacular total solar eclipse, reaching the maximum viewing at 3:11 p.m.
But while it is an exciting, potentially once-in-a-lifetime event, it’s important to stay safe and protect your eyes.
That is why we invited Dr. Charlene Henderson with Blink Charlotte to give us an overview of the measures we must take to safely view the total solar eclipse.
According to Henderson, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection glasses, except for the brief total phase when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s face.
However, that block will not occur in the Charlotte area. Therefore, she highlighted that people must wear eclipse glasses at all times.
ADVERTISEMENT
Henderson warned that looking at the Sun through a camera lines, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter covering the optics will cause severe eye injuries, even impairing your central vision.
She stressed using eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard and are a lot darker than regular sunglasses.
She also stressed obtaining them from a trusted source since there are numerous fakes on the market and to never use eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes as those need different types of solar filters.
To make sure, viewers keep safe during the event, Blink Charlotte will give away 1,000 free pairs of solar viewers.
Henderson said, you can send them an email at eyecare@blinkcharlotte.com, reserve up to two pairs and they will let you know where you can pick them up.
ADVERTISEMENT
According to Henderson, indirect viewing methods are also an option such as using a pinhole protector with a small opening, which projects an image of the Sun onto a nearby surface.
For more information, be sure to check out her website and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
Copyright 2024 WBTV. All rights reserved.