Are you ready for the SOLAR ECLIPSE?

August 21, 2017...the long anticipated date for astronomy-junkies to experience the solar eclipse.  Here in our valley we will experience the moon covering at least part of the sun for 2 to 3 hours.  Day will turn into night, and (weather permitting), one of nature's most awesome sights will become visible: the sun's shimmering outer atomosphere, or corona.  

Always remember; directly viewing any eclipse can permanently damage the photoreceptors in your retina, so, in case you don't fall into the category of "astro-junkie" but have a desire to view this phenomenon....we're posting links to safely view a solar eclipse:  

1. Use approved solar eclipse viewers. The only safe way to view a partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as "eclipse glasses" or viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing. Sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers, and polarizing filters are unsafe. If you can't find eclipse viewers, build a pinhole projector to watch the eclipse.

2. Technique of the pros. Before looking at the sun, cover your eyes with the eclipse viewers while standing still. Glance at the sun, turn away and then remove your filter. Do not remove the filter while looking at the sun.

3. Totality awesome (in case you're taking a drive to Idaho). Only within the path of totality-and once the moon completely blocks the sun-can eclipse viewers safely be removed to view totality. Once the sun begins reappearing, however, viewers must be replaced. 

4. Visit your doctor of optometry. If you should experience discomfort or vision problems following the eclipse, call Dr. Luekenga or Dr. Graf at Valley Vision Clinic & Optical immediately for an eye examination.   

A free information sheet can be downloaded by clicking here.

A reproducible infographic can be downloaded by clicking here.

For more detailed information about the eclipse, its path, and timing, visit eclipse.aas.org, or eclipse2017.nasa.gov.