On June 10th, the world witnessed a spectacular natural phenomenon that occurs once in a lifetime – a hybrid solar eclipse. This rare cosmic event happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking its light and casting a shadow on the Earth. What made this eclipse hybrid is that it started as an annular eclipse, where the Moon covers only a part of the Sun’s disk, and then turned into a total eclipse, where the Moon completely covers the Sun. It was a spectacular sight in the sky, and lucky for us, many talented photographers captured stunning images of this rare hybrid solar eclipse. Let’s take a closer look at some of these remarkable photos.
Looking at the sun directly can cause great damage to our eyes. Hence, it is crucial not to look at the sun without proper protection. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) warns that gazing at the sun can cause permanent blindness, and there is no amount of time that is safe for the naked eye to look directly at the sun.
However, there is an exception to this rule. During the totality of a total solar eclipse, viewers can safely stare at the sun. A total solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon in which the moon moves directly between the sun and Earth. During this event, the moon blocks the sun’s bright face, revealing the sun’s outermost atmosphere or corona. This view of the sun is safe to look at with the naked eye.
It is essential to have proper protection when viewing a solar eclipse outside of totality. To safely observe the sun, one should use protective glasses or solar filters that block harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Regular sunglasses or homemade filters do not provide adequate protection to safely observe the sun.
Individuals who are unable to obtain protective gear can use a pinhole projector or telescope to view the eclipse indirectly. A pinhole projector is a simple device that can easily be made with a cardboard box, aluminum foil or paper, and a pin or needle. The device projects an image of the sun’s crescent shape onto a screen or surface, allowing for safe observation.
It is important to use caution when observing a solar eclipse, as looking at the sun directly can cause permanent eye damage. In addition to eye protection, appropriate clothing and sunscreen should also be worn to avoid sunburns and other risks associated with spending extended periods outdoors.
For those who miss out on the experience of a total solar eclipse, there are other ways to safely observe the sun’s activity, such as through a telescope or solar filter designed specifically for solar photography. It is vital to remember that the sun is always dangerous to look at without proper protection, and observing it safely is crucial.
