A total eclipse of the sun is the one and only time you can stare directly at the sun safely. However, this only lasts for a minute or so and then the protective goggles must be put back on.
@ermine & @sunflower have negligently omitted a critical caveat to this claim.
According to the safety section of NASA’s total eclipse web page, the condition of totality is observable “only within the narrow path of totality.” If you click on the link to their map of that path, you will discover it represents only a tiny sliver of North America.
Therefore, the odds favor that if you look at the sun Monday without adequate eye protection during any stage of the eclipse … well … you’re an idiot, and might as well make an appointment Tuesday with your nearest opthamologist.
Reminds me of a Simpsons when, as astronauts first set foot on the Moon, Homer was on his beanbag singing along with “Yummy, yummy, yummy, I got love in my tummy”, oblivious.
GreasyOldTam almost 7 years ago
Actually, in a space ship they could see enough eclipses to render even the most ardent umbraphile blasé. To say nothing of Dr Mel’s time machine.
Say What Now‽ Premium Member almost 7 years ago
They are still playing Candy Crush‽ I admit though, it is a very addictive game.
Gent almost 7 years ago
Sadly, that’s true… Kids nowadays…
gantech almost 7 years ago
Where’s their eye protection?
tripwire45 almost 7 years ago
So everyone but the two little kids on their cell phones go blind.
ChessPirate almost 7 years ago
Winky: “Aaaaaa, my spl… eyes!”
Lantern Premium Member almost 7 years ago
@TRIPWIRE45 Day of the Triffids—John Wyndham
SunflowerGirl100 almost 7 years ago
A total eclipse of the sun is the one and only time you can stare directly at the sun safely. However, this only lasts for a minute or so and then the protective goggles must be put back on.
Andrew Sleeth almost 7 years ago
@ermine & @sunflower have negligently omitted a critical caveat to this claim.
According to the safety section of NASA’s total eclipse web page, the condition of totality is observable “only within the narrow path of totality.” If you click on the link to their map of that path, you will discover it represents only a tiny sliver of North America.
Therefore, the odds favor that if you look at the sun Monday without adequate eye protection during any stage of the eclipse … well … you’re an idiot, and might as well make an appointment Tuesday with your nearest opthamologist.
Katpayge almost 7 years ago
My spleen!
kaffekup almost 7 years ago
Reminds me of a Simpsons when, as astronauts first set foot on the Moon, Homer was on his beanbag singing along with “Yummy, yummy, yummy, I got love in my tummy”, oblivious.