Get ready, folks! On Monday, August 21, between 9:05 a.m. PDT and 1:16 p.m. EDT, depending on where you are, the sun will start to dim. No, it’s not a sign of impending doom—it’s the Great American Solar Eclipse! This event will feature a partial solar eclipse across the continental U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, and even northern South America. However, the highlight will be a spectacular total eclipse stretching from Oregon to South Carolina.
Now, here’s the catch. Most Americans live within a day’s drive of what astronomers are calling “the path of totality.” This brings a massive logistical headache, not just traffic jams. South Carolina, for instance, is treating this eclipse like a state of emergency, expecting over 300,000 visitors in the capital area alone. With all hotel rooms booked and restaurants filled to capacity, residents are advised to stock up on essentials well in advance.
But the biggest issue? The human factor. Anyone who’s watched The Magic School Bus knows that looking directly at the sun without special glasses can lead to some serious eye damage—think permanent blindness. Yet many people underestimate this risk. Just because you’ve glanced at the sun and looked away doesn’t mean it’s safe—wrong!
Dr. Emily Carter, president of the National Optometric Association, warns of the dangers of ultraviolet radiation exposure. You could end up with photokeratitis, also known as a sunburn of the eye. Ouch! Symptoms include redness, tearing, and a sensation of having something stuck in your eye. And if that wasn’t enough, staring at the sun during a partial eclipse can cause solar retinopathy, leading to retinal damage. There’s no safe time limit; even a brief glance can cause irreversible harm.
So, what’s the solution? You absolutely need eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses won’t cut it, nor will looking through a telescope or camera lens.
Wondering where to find these crucial glasses? Check your local library—over 2 million pairs are being distributed across 7,000 libraries. Science museums and state institutions may also have free glasses; just give them a call first. Retailer Warby Parker is even handing out free pairs at their stores. Additionally, local public health departments, astronomical societies, and planetariums are great places to seek out eclipse glasses. NASA viewing sites are also giving them away for free.
If you prefer to purchase glasses, ensure you buy from authorized sellers. Many vendors falsely claim to be “AOA Approved” on platforms like Amazon. The American Astronomical Society maintains a list of verified vendors for your safety.
Feeling crafty? You can make your own solar viewer! A simple pinhole camera can be constructed using a shoebox, a piece of tinfoil, white paper, tape, a pin, and a box cutter. National Geographic provides easy instructions for a basic solar viewer that requires just two pieces of white cardboard.
Remember, never look directly at the sun except during totality. Once the moon fully obscures the sun, it’s safe to view it with the naked eye. Before and after that moment, eye protection is a must—cloudy weather won’t help, either. Let’s avoid any reckless decisions during this celestial event, as an eye sunburn sounds absolutely dreadful!
Summary:
The Great American Solar Eclipse is set to occur on August 21, with a partial eclipse visible across the U.S. and a total eclipse from coast to coast. Protect your eyes with proper eclipse glasses, as looking directly at the sun can lead to serious eye damage. Free glasses are available at libraries and retailers like Warby Parker, or you can make a simple solar viewer at home. Stay safe and enjoy this astronomical wonder!