Why can’t we watch the solar eclipse directly?

On October 14, Colombia will experience an annular solar eclipse, which means that many cities in the country will darken and lower temperatures around noon. This happens because the moon’s orbit intersects with the sun, blocking light.

The eclipse will occur over several hours and is called an annular shape because the moon will not cover the entire sun but will leave a ring of light around it. This is also known as the “Ring of Fire.”

Related content: Everything you need to know about the solar eclipse that Colombia will see on October 14.

However, if you want to observe it this Saturday, You should be careful with the glasses you use. Not all are certified. Actually, Neither transitional sunglasses nor cine glasses, let alone X-ray glasses, are suitable elements for safely viewing a solar eclipse.

Follow The Observer on WhatsApp

One of the suitable options is solar eclipse glasses certified according to the International Organization for Standardization ISO 12312-2 standard. The companies that make them must prove that the lenses block a certain amount of UV rays.

What happens to your eyes if you watch a solar eclipse without special glasses?

NASA has repeatedly warned that looking at any part of the bright Sun through the lens of a camera, binocular, or telescope without special filters on the front optics can cause immediate and serious eye injury.

“Please seek the advice of expert astronomers before using solar filters with cameras, telescopes, binoculars, or any other optical equipment,” NASA said in a statement. He also reminded that solar filters should Place in front of any telescope. , camera lenses or other optical devices.

Also Read: October 14 Solar Eclipse: Best Places and Tips to View the Solar Eclipse.

However, looking at the Sun through the lens of a camera, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device while using eclipse glasses or a portable viewer can also be dangerous: the sun’s rays can become concentrated, burning filters and causing serious damage.

The Autonomous University of Mexico remembers that although this astronomical event gave the impression of darkness, the sun and its ultraviolet rays were still present. See them unprotected for a few seconds It can cause symptoms ranging from conjunctivitis to punctate keratitis to macular burns on the inner side of the retina. Photoreceptors help us see our surroundings, identify faces, and read without any problems. When these photoreceptors are injured or damaged, blindness may result.

To learn more about safety recommendations to keep in mind during a solar eclipse, you can download the information from NASA here.