2023 Annular Solar Eclipse: Follow NASA Safety Guidelines and Find Viewing Locations

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, the United States will witness the annular solar eclipse, also referred to as the ‘ring of fire’ eclipse. This celestial phenomenon occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, resulting in captivating phenomena. However, it is essential to exercise extreme caution while observing this mesmerizing event to protect your eyesight. In collaboration with NASA, Lance Bass, a prominent personality, has joined forces to provide invaluable safety advice for those planning to witness this cosmic spectacle.

Solar eclipses

According to NASA, an annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth when it is at or near its farthest point. Because the Moon is farther from the Earth, it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover the Sun. Therefore, the Moon appears as a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk, creating a ring of fire around the moon.

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Protecting your eyes

Lance Bass emphasizes that it is never safe to look directly at the sun during an annular or any solar eclipse without proper sun protection designed for solar viewing. Ordinary sunglasses are not enough; you need specialized eclipse glasses. These glasses must comply with the international standard ISO 12312-2 in order to provide adequate protection.

Alternatives to Eclipse glasses

If you don’t have dark glasses, don’t try to look directly at the sun. Consider using indirect viewing methods such as a pinhole projector instead. You can easily create one by using index card with a small hole in it, which will reflect the darkening of the image onto a nearby surface. Remember to put the sun on your back when using this method to view the projected image safely.

NASA safety recommendations

NASA explains the importance of wearing proper eye protection during partial and annular solar eclipses. Looking at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any optical device is extremely dangerous because concentrated sun rays can burn through the filter and cause serious eye injuries.

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