‘Ring of fire’ Solar Eclipse: What can happen if you watch an eclipse with the naked eye?

On Saturday, an annular solar eclipse painted a scintillating “ring of fire” across North, Central, and South America. While astronomers encouraged everyone to witness this rare event, it was vital to do so safely. Sunglasses were simply not enough to shield one’s eyes from the powerful rays of the sun during this celestial show.

The ‘Ring of Fire’ Solar Eclipse:

Annular solar eclipses, like the one in question, bear the nickname “ring of fire” for a distinctive reason. Unlike total solar eclipses, in which the moon entirely conceals the sun, annular eclipses occur when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth, leaving a fiery ring of sunlight encircling the moon’s shadow.

In addition to the annular eclipse, weather permitting, a crescent-shaped partial solar eclipse was visible across all 49 continental U.S. states, including Alaska, as confirmed by NASA. However, it’s essential to understand that even during these eclipses, when only part of the sun is obscured, some of the sun’s powerful light remains visible. And looking directly at this brilliance with the naked eye is not just uncomfortable; it’s perilous.

What can happen if you watch an eclipse with the naked eye?

The only time it’s safe to gaze at the sun without any eye protection is during the “totality” of a total solar eclipse, which North America would experience on April 8, 2024. According to NASA, there are different types of eclipses, and they require distinct safety precautions.

Dr. Carrie Black, the National Science Foundation program officer for the National Solar Observatory, emphasizes, “During an annular eclipse, because the surface of the sun is not entirely covered, you must wear glasses or view indirectly at all times.”

Directly staring at the sun, even during an eclipse, can lead to severe consequences, including blindness or disrupted vision. This was tragically exemplified during the 2017 total solar eclipse when a young woman was diagnosed with solar retinopathy. Solar retinopathy results from retinal damage due to exposure to solar radiation. The woman’s affliction was attributed to the use of eclipse glasses that did not meet safety standards.

Solar retinopathy is a permanent condition with no known cure. While it may fluctuate in severity, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding our eyes during solar eclipses.

FAQs:

What is solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking or obscuring the sun from view. This results in a darkening of the sky during daylight hours.

What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse is a celestial event that occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to be cast on the moon’s surface. This results in a darkening of the moon’s appearance and can give it a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses occur during a full moon when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned in a straight line.

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