CLEVELAND — In 13 days, Northeast Ohioans will witness a once-in-a-lifetime event: a total solar eclipse. By now, hopefully you know and understand the dangers of trying to watch the celestial event without proper eye protection.
Those eclipse glasses will not only let you watch the celestial event in comfort and safety, they'll also protect your vision from the risk of permanent damage -- if they're real.
Make sure you get your glasses from a vetted reliable source.
First thing to look for is the certification. According to the American Astronomical Society, solar viewers are safe if they comply with the UV, visible, and IR transmittance requirements of the ISO 12312-2 standard for filters for direct observation of the sun. It's usually printed on the inside flap of the glasses, but even that could be fake depending where you got the glasses.
So you should test your glasses before April 8. Here's how:
First, examine the glasses and make sure there are no scratches or pinholes in them.
Then, put them on indoors and look around. If they're real, you shouldn't be able to see a thing because they're a thousand times darker than sunglasses. Even exceptionally bright light should appear very faint, if at all.
If they pass the indoor test, take them outside on a sunny day. Again look around, you shouldn't be able to see anything.
If they pass that test, take a quick glance up at the sun for less than a second. You should see a round disc that's comfortably bright.
If they pass all three tests they're probably safe, but the American Astronomical Society advises that during the eclipse you don't become transfixed on the sun for too long. Give your eyes a break for a minute or two and then resume.
The only time you can remove your glasses is during totality. However, be aware that over Cleveland, that totality will only last a few minutes and depending where you are, you may have even less time.
Other safer options is creating a box pinhole projector or watching it on TV. Either way, use common sense and protect your eyes. You only get two.