Area Residents Should Prepare to Protect Eyes to View Solar Eclipse on April 8th
Area Residents Should Prepare to Protect Eyes to View Solar Eclipse on April 8th
Even viewers not in the path of totality shouldn't look directly at eclipse without sufficient protection - but some free eclipse viewing glasses are available locally
by Janine Annett
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY — A solar eclipse offers the chance to look at the sun in a new light, but Rivertowns residents planning to observe the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th, should plan to protect their eyes if they want to see the eclipse in person.
According to NASA, the total solar eclipse on April 8th will cross North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will only be visible along a narrow path, but even people in areas outside the path of totality should still be able to see the moon pass in front of the sun. It’s important to wear special eclipse glasses when looking at an eclipse since the sun’s harmful rays can potentially damage eyes when people look directly at the sun, even if the sun is partially obscured.
“Looking directly at a solar eclipse poses the same risk as looking directly at the sun — a potentially blinding condition called solar retinopathy,” said Katelyn Rogerson, Doctor of Optometry and founder of Eyes on Hudson in Dobbs Ferry. “This condition can cause reduced visual acuity and blind spots in your central vision. Although some people can recover vision within several months after exposure, others will be left with permanent blind spots. There is no known treatment for solar retinopathy. If you must look at the solar eclipse, sunglasses and UV protection are not enough. Only ISO 12312-2 specialty filtered eclipse viewing glasses from reputable manufacturers are safe for the occasion.”
Rivertowns residents can get free, limited edition “I Love NY” Eclipse Glasses — if they act fast. The glasses are available at the Ardsley Service Area, located off I-87 (NYS Thruway), Milepost 6, located on the northbound side between Exit 6A (Yonkers Toll Gantry) and Exit 7 (Ardsley) in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. According to the I Love NY website, eclipse viewing glasses seekers can ask a cashier or on-site staff person for a free pair of glasses, but “daily supplies are extremely limited” and “there is no guarantee that glasses will be available as demand has been very high.” The offer is for two free pairs of glasses per person, while supplies last. A staffer at the Ardsley Service Area said the glasses supply was depleted last week, but an order was placed for more glasses, which are expected to arrive soon.
Many local libraries are holding eclipse viewing events, and some offer free eclipse viewing glasses for use. Update as of 4/3: The Hastings-on-Hudson Library is hosting an eclipse viewing on April 8th from 3-4 PM. The viewing will now take place at Draper Park. Attendees may want to consider bringing a blanket or lawn chair. The library no longer has any additional eclipse glasses for attendees to use. Please email amanning@hastingslibrary.org with any questions.
The Dobbs Ferry Library is also hosting a solar eclipse viewing party on April 8th from 11:30 AM-4:30 PM, and will giving out eclipse glasses starting April 5th (supplies are limited; call 914-693-6614 to register). The Ardsley Library’s solar eclipse viewing party is happening on April 8th starting at 2:30 PM; a limited number of eclipse viewing glasses will be available (to register email peggym@ardsleylibrary.org or call 914-693-6636).
Those looking to purchase their own solar eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standards can visit the American Astronomical Society to see a list of manufacturers and retailers that produce and sell safe solar viewers and filters.
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