Monday, August 21, 2017, we will have the rare opportunity to see a total solar eclipse in the United States. A solar eclipse is when the moon covers the sun. There is pathway across the country in which individuals will see a total eclipse of the sun. This pathway is a band approximately 70 miles wide, and this map, provided by NASA, shows the path where a total eclipse can be observed.

map

While most of the country will not see a total eclipse of the sun, everyone who is planning to view the eclipse (either partial or full) has to be extremely careful to protect his or her eyes.

You have probably seen “eclipse glasses,” which have been distributed by various companies. NASA recommends that your glasses have the ISO Certified seal of approval, or ISO 12312-2 printed on them. Read additional guidelines here. You must always use a safe solar filter to view the sun directly. Also, if you normally wear eyeglasses, you can keep them on and put your eclipse glasses on over them. Remember that ordinary sunglasses — even very dark ones — should not be used as a replacement for eclipse viewing glasses.

You can read this article about how to maintain good eye health for more information about eye safety.

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