Eclipse Tips: A guide to safe observing and astrophotography
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
Episode Insights
See all- Eclipse glasses marked with ISO 12312-2 are essential for safely viewing solar eclipses, as regular sunglasses, camera filters, or welder's helmets do not offer adequate protection against potentially blinding solar radiation.
- Thermal burns on the retina can be caused by staring at a partial solar eclipse without proper protection, potentially resulting in permanent vision impairment, emphasizing the critical need for using approved eclipse glasses.
- Children require close supervision during an eclipse to ensure they use proper protection, as they might not comprehend the risk of eye damage from viewing the event unsafely.
- Solar retinopathy is a risk when observing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection, due to the reduced discomfort from the partially obscured sun's brightness, falsely suggesting safety.
- Camera sensors can be damaged by the intense sunlight during a solar eclipse, making it important to use appropriate protective gear for photographic equipment as well.
- Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy's journey began with witnessing a total solar eclipse and evolved into capturing high-resolution images of space, highlighting the inspirational power of astronomical events.
- For astrophotography, using an equatorial tracking mount and practicing with equipment can help produce quality images during an eclipse while ensuring safety.
- Bruce Betts' book "Casting Shadows" educates children and adults about both lunar and solar eclipses, underlining the importance of understanding and safely experiencing these phenomena.
- The moment of totality during a total solar eclipse presents a unique opportunity to observe the sun's corona and other celestial occurrences without protective eyewear, though this must be approached with caution to avoid damaging vision and equipment.
- The experience of chasing eclipses can be transformative, providing a profound connection to space and reinforcing the importance of safety measures and educational outreach about these rare events.