Issue 32.17
A spectacular event will occur on Monday, August 21, 2017. A total eclipse of the sun will be visible across the United States from South Carolina to Oregon, visible for 2-3 minutes along a 67-mile wide path.
For us in the St George area, we will see an 80% eclipse of the sun. The moon will start gradually blocking the sun starting around 10:11 am and reaching the 80% maximum eclipse around 11:30am. The eclipse will end around 12:56pm.
Everyone viewing the eclipse should wear eye protection because we will not observe a total eclipse here in the St George area. It is never safe to view the sun with the naked eye. The sun’s surface is so bright and produces enough energy that if you stare at any portion of it, even during this partial eclipse, it can permanently damage your retina. Don’t be fooled thinking that you can safely view the partial eclipse with short glances or your sunglasses. The only time it’s ever safe to look at the sun is during a total eclipse, when the sun is completely behind the moon.
According to the American Optometric Association, without proper eye protection you can suffer “eclipse blindness”, a serious injury in which the eye’s retina is damaged by solar radiation even within a short few seconds of staring at the sun. Most victims eventually recover their eyesight, but some suffer permanent loss of some or all of their vision. Solar filters, eclipse glasses, or number 14 welder’s glass must be used to view the partial eclipse.
Eclipse viewing glasses and handheld solar viewers should meet all the following criteria:
- Have certification information with a designated ISO 12312-2 international standard.
- Have the manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere on the product.
- Not be used if they are older than three years, or have scratched or wrinkled lenses.
Don’t use homemade filters or use ordinary sunglasses (not even very dark ones) because they are not safe for looking directly at the sun. Stop by SouthWest Vision at 965 East 700 South in St. George to get your approved eclipse glasses while supplies last. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors call 435-673-5577 or visit our website at SouthWestVision.org.