As you all know, on Monday the 21st there will be a total solar eclipse that will cross the entire country and SC is in the path of totality. If you decide to watch the eclipse we want to ensure you do so safely. We hope you have fun watching the eclipse but most importantly, keep your eyes safe by wearing the protective glasses.
Instructions for safe use of solar eclipse glasses:
- Always inspect your solar eclipse glasses before use; if scratched, punctured, torn, or otherwise damaged, discard it. Read and follow instructions printed on the solar eclipse glasses.
- If you normally wear eyeglasses, keep them on. Put your eclipse glasses on over them.
- Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses before looking up at the bright Sun. After looking at the Sun, turn away and remove your filter—do not remove it while looking at the Sun.
- Do not look at the Sun through a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses—the concentrated solar rays could damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury.
- If you are inside the path of totality, remove your solar filter only when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright Sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to look at the remaining partial phases.
- Outside the path of totality, you must always use a safe solar filter to view the Sun directly.
