Are you ready for the total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024? Far northern New Hampshire including the towns of Lancaster, Stratford, Colebrook, Dixville Notch, Errol, and Pittsburg will be in the path of totality with portions of the White Mountains experiencing a partial eclipse. I don’t know about you, but I have been making plans for a while because the last total eclipse in New Hampshire was in 1959 and the next one will be in 2079. For me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime sight to behold… but only if I protect my eyes from the sun’s harmful rays! Here are some tips from Future In Sight to help you enjoy this rare celestial event safely and comfortably:
- Do not look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Sunglasses, regular glasses, or tinted contact lenses are not enough. Shockingly, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) reports that it may not be enough to use eclipse glasses with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) logo and number as there have been reports of some companies selling counterfeit products. For a list of reputable vendors vetted by the AAS, click here.
- Do not use damaged or scratched eclipse glasses. They may not block enough light and could harm your eyes.
- Do not use cameras, binoculars, telescopes, or other optical devices to view the eclipse without a solar filter and eclipse glasses. Optical devices can magnify the sun’s rays and damage your eyes or your equipment. Remember: A solar filter only protects your equipment—looking through the viewfinder will still damage your vision without proper eclipse glasses! Remember, you’re phone’s camera will need protection too!
- Do not assume that it is safe to look at the sun when it is eclipsed. Looking at the sun even during totality is risky business if you’re not wearing protection because even a sliver of the sun can hurt your eyes.
We hope you have a fun and eye-opening time watching the eclipse. Remember, your vision is precious and irreplaceable, so don’t take any risks with it! If you have any questions or concerns about eye safety or if you or someone you love is experiencing vision loss and could benefit from our services, please contact Future In Sight at [email protected] or 603-224-4039 today! We are here to help you see this amazing world in a whole new way!
About the Author: Beth Daisy is the Supervisor of Occupational Therapy at Future In Sight.