On August 21st a rare solar eclipse will sprawl a 70 miles wide shadow across the United States. It is a once in a lifetime celestial spectacular, the first coast to coast total solar eclipse in 99 years.
Millions of people from Oregon to South Carolina will be able to see the eclipse, including prime viewing right here in Nebraska.
If you plan on participating in the eclipse viewing, University of Nebraska at Omaha planetarium director Krista Testin says to be sure you are protecting your eyes from the intense glow. "A pair of solar shades, or solar viewers, that are certified, can be used to view the sun at anytime. If they are not certified, that might mean that your eyes are not completely protected."
Testin says if you just glance at the eclipse, you won't do much damage to your eyes, but if you stare at it without protective eye wear, you could cause a real problem. "You can't use sunglasses, sunglasses, even really dark sunglasses, that's not enough protection."
If you'd like to make sure your eyes are protected while viewing the eclipse, you can get a pair of solar shades for $1 at the Durham Science Center on the UNO campus. Testin says they are also available online, just make sure the glasses or solar viewers are ISO certified.