By Montserrat Arqué
04 Oct 2023, 18:13 PM EDT
Next Saturday, October 14, in various parts of the American continent, including some states in the United States, we will be able to witness one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomena that nature can give us: a solar eclipse.
On this occasion, the solar eclipse will be annular, also known as the “ring of fire”, since the Sun will not be completely covered, so between the shadows, we will be able to see a halo of light around it.
Everyone will be able to follow the path of this “ring of fire” solar eclipse, either live and in full color or through the transmissions that many media, and even NASA, are already preparing so as not to miss any details.
If you are one of the privileged people who will be able to see this eclipse live and in full color, the Space Agency indicates that you should do so, following certain advice, in order to avoid irreversible damage to your eyesight.
To avoid this situation, NASA published a guide on the internet with all the details that you must take into account to observe it, without risks, if it will pass through your city.
In a “ring of fire” solar eclipse, the Sun is never completely blocked by the Moon. Therefore, it is never safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection designed for observation. You can even use an indirect viewing method, such as a pinhole projector.
NASA tips to observe the “ring of fire” solar eclipse on October 14
* To observe it, wear safe solar glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe portable solar viewer at all times. It must be taken into account that they are not the dark glasses that we conventionally use.
* Check eclipse glasses or portable viewer before use; If it is broken, scratched or damaged, do not use it.
* You should not look at the Sun through the lens of a camera, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device while using eclipse glasses or a portable solar viewer. This is because concentrated solar rays will burn the filter and cause severe eye injuries.
* If observing through cameras, binoculars or telescopes equipped with appropriate solar filters, it is not necessary to use special glasses.
* Use indirect observation methods if you do not have safe glasses or solar viewers, such as the pinhole projector, which projects the image of the Sun on a nearby surface.
* It is advisable to use a hat or cap, as well as clothing with sun protection factor, to prevent skin damage.
Keep reading:
* Solar eclipse “ring of fire”: 4 things you should know about this phenomenon that we will experience in October
* Ring of fire solar eclipse: what myths there are about what you can and can’t eat
* The 4 eclipses that we can see in 2023