Buncombe County is once again in the path of a partial solar eclipse, which will happen on Monday, April 8. With so many eyes interested in what’s happening in the skies, experts remind you to exercise caution.
“Here in the Asheville area, we expect about an 87% partial eclipse,” said Buncombe County Schools Lead Science Specialist Kate Whitter. “During the 2017 eclipse, we experienced 99% coverage. While it won’t be as dark, people will notice it happening, and serious injuries are possible if people don’t take precautions.”
The biggest reminder that science educators say bears repeating - do not look directly in the direction of the sun, even if you’re wearing sunglasses. NASA has issued guidelines that also warn people that looking at the eclipse through a camera lens, binoculars, or telescope without a special purpose solar lens can also cause irreparable eye damage.
In order to look at the sun to see the eclipse, scientists say you’ll need solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 (sometimes written as ISO 12312-2:2015) certification. You can consult this guide from the American Astronomical Society for recommendations on the most reputable companies to buy from, and which products are safest.
"When your skin is sunburnt, it can usually heal. That’s not the case with your eyes,” Whittier cautions.
The partial eclipse is expected to be visible in our area starting at 1:51pm and ending at 4:24pm. Peak viewing time will be at 3:09pm. Many students will be on their way home from school at that time, and experts caution that tinted glass in vehicle windows does not offer any protection, or make it any safer to look toward the sun.
The celestial event on April 8 will be the last solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States until 2044. Teachers in all levels of Buncombe County Schools are using the occasion to safely study the skies, from building pinwheel viewers to using spaghetti strainers.
“You hold the colander above the pavement,” Whitter explained. “Then, you can see the movement of the eclipse from the shadows formed by all the holes.”
