On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over our state, plunging much of Indiana into momentary darkness as the earth, moon, and sun form a straight line. Hancock County is in the direct path of the total solar eclipse and will experience darkness for nearly 3 minutes. This unique event will bring many people to our county.
2024 Solar Eclipse Safety Tips
A total solar eclipse is a rare opportunity, and when viewing, safety is first priority. It is never safe to look directly at the sun during an eclipse without specialized eye protection. Doing so may cause short or long term severe eye damage.
Looking directly at the sun can include symptoms such as:
- Blurry vision
- “Holes” or “spots” in vision
- Light sensitivity
- Pain
- Headaches
Experts advise against using regular sunglasses or any homemade filtering device, as they do not protect your eyes from the solar retinopathy that may result from looking at the sun – even for a brief moment. Vision loss from viewing the sun without the appropriate ISO 12312-2 filter may be permanent. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Astronomical Society offer these tips for safely viewing the 2024 solar eclipse:
- Take the time to buy eclipse glasses, which are special glasses with a solar filter to protect your retina when viewing an eclipse. Such eyewear should meet a specific worldwide standard: ISO 12312-2. These glasses reduce visible sunlight to safe and comfortable levels while also blocking solar UV and IR radiation.
- Carefully look at your eclipse glasses before using them. If you see any scratches or damage, do not use them.
- Read and follow all directions that come with the solar filter or eclipse glasses.
- Help children use eclipse glasses correctly.
- Do not look at the sun while putting on or taking off eclipse glasses.
- Never look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars or similar devices, even if you are wearing eclipse glasses. The intense solar rays coming through these devices will damage the solar filter and your eyes.
- Use a pinhole viewer to project an image of the sun onto another surface, like paper, a wall or pavement.
- Watch the solar eclipse online.
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