photo credit: NASA eclipse 2017
Another warning via cleveland.com:
Planning to see Monday's eclipse with your own
eyes? Be careful where you're buying your protective eye wear.
The American Astronomical Society has received
reports of fake solar eclipse glasses being sold, and Amazon has issued refunds
for glasses later found not to meet industry standards. Counterfeit
glasses may claim to be certified International Organization for
Standardization, imprinted with the code ISO 12312-2, but don't filter
the sun's rays and can cause retinal damage.
The society has a list
of approved eyeglass and filter vendors on its website, and says people
should check glasses
Monday's solar eclipse is the first to span the United
States in 99 years. But outside of a narrow path, most of the country will see the moon only partially cover the
sun.
Looking at the sun might not feel painful, but it
could cause blurry vision and temporary or permanent blindness, according to
the American Optometric Association.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's office, which
monitors scams, offered these tips for consumers who want to safely view the
event:
Call your local library. More than 2 million
eclipse glasses were sent to libraries for distribution and for eclipse viewing
events. Several Ohio libraries plan
to hold viewing events where glasses will be provided.
Test your glasses ahead of time. Proper
eclipse eye wear will block everything except the sun. Be cautious if you can
see other lights or brightness through the glasses. Glasses should not have
holes or tears.
Skip regular sunglasses. Wearing regular
sunglasses or stacking multiple pairs on top of each other will not protect
eyes from looking directly at the sun.
Get advice for using a solar filter. Cameras,
cell phone cameras, binoculars, telescopes and other devices will need a solar
filter to view the eclipse without damage to the camera sensor or the viewer's
eyes. Consult with a professional for how to properly use a filter.
Best
option: watch the eclipse on a TV screen. NASA info, maps, and live stream
links are here and here.
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