Don't Look Up Without Solar Eclipse Glasses

The cosmos regularly treats people to breathtaking celestial spectacles, yet few events, like a solar eclipse, capture our imaginations. As the Moon gracefully glides between the Earth and the Sun, a dance of shadows and light unfolds across the skies, leaving observers worldwide in awe. Solar eclipses offer unparalleled opportunities for sky enthusiasts and astronomers to witness the wonders of our celestial neighborhood. However, it is crucial to remember to observe these celestial events safely, using proper eye protection to prevent any harm to your eyesight.

 

Total solar eclipse 2024: Are you ready for the big event?

Viewing a solar eclipse safely is essential since staring directly at the Sun can cause permanent eye damage or blindness. Special eclipse glasses are worn to protect your eyes during this event. Alternatively, you can observe the eclipse indirectly through pinhole projectors or other safe viewing methods.

This article delves into the captivating world of solar eclipses, from their mesmerizing mechanics to their cultural significance. But that’s not all – we’re here to equip you with essential knowledge about solar eclipse glasses, ensuring you can safely witness these extraordinary events without compromising your eye safety. So, whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious newcomer, let’s journey to understand the marvels of solar eclipses and how the proper eyewear can enhance your experience and keep your eyes safe.

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Are sunglasses OK for the solar eclipse? 

As NASA highlights, ordinary sunglasses are insufficient to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse. Instead, it’s best to have specialized solar eclipse glasses to safeguard your vision from harmful rays. Eclipse-safe solar glasses protect your eyes when you look up and immerse yourself in this wonder of the universe!

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What glasses are safe for the solar eclipse? 

 

You are probably familiar with MCR Safety Glasses and Welding Glasses. Unfortunately, these shades are only great for industrial worksites, not an eclipse’s mesmerizing beauty. It’s a common misconception that welding goggles, helmets, and glasses have enough filter ratings in the lens for an eclipse. Users often ask us, Can I use my welding glasses to view the solar eclipse? The short answer is no.

NASA highlightsthat only welding glasses with shade 12 and higher should be used to view a solar eclipse, and even then, the eclipse is often too bright. For that reason, shade 14 is suggested, but most say that it blocks out too much of the eclipse, and most welding glasses don’t use such dark filters anyway.

 

 

MCR Safety glasses are designed to protect users from UV light.

 

Even the colored lenses of MCR Safety’s safety glasses do not protect your eyes when viewing a solar eclipse. Although all of MCR Safety’s polycarbonate lenses block 99.9% of UV light ranging from 200-385nm, that is, unfortunately, not enough to cover the visible light of a solar eclipse. The problem is that during an eclipse, the eyes are fooled into thinking that more light is needed, allowing in dangerous levels of UV light, potentially damaging the retina.

To safely view a solar eclipse, you’ll need glasses that comply with ISO 12312-2. MCR Safety’s Solar Eclipse Glasses offer this level of protection for complete peace of mind to enjoy the eclipse without concerns about eye safety. We will introduce these at the National Safety Council - 2023 Safety Congress & Expo in October 2023, handing them out for free to safety professionals. After the show, all will be able to purchase!

 

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Solar Eclipse Glasses

 

Your safety is our priority! Our total solar eclipse glasses are ISO-certified and approved and offer the highest level of eye protection during a solar eclipse event. Count on our certified solar eclipse glasses to shield your eyes from harmful rays and make the most of this unique event.

 

 

🌘 Solar Glasses for Eclipse Viewing – Get Yours in November, after NSC 2023! 🌒

 

After NSC, take advantage of the opportunity to witness the 2024 solar eclipse in all its glory—there won’t be another chance to see one in the US until 2044! So order your solar eclipse glasses now before they run out! Our 10-pack and 5-pack of glasses are some of the lowest-price options in the market. Why? At MCR Safety, we live by a simple code: “We Protect People.” Protecting people occurs during all life events, whether at work or at home. And, since this is a rare lifetime event, we want to ensure your eyes are protected without breaking the bank. Hopefully, we will earn your trust, and you’ll consider us for your other eyewear needs, whether polarized glasses, polarized readers, or your everyday safety glasses.

The remainder of this article focuses on information about eclipses, including the different types, how often they occur, and what makes 2024 such an impactful event.

 

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What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse is a fascinating natural event that occurs when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, causing the Sun to be partially or completely obscured. Its alignment results in the Moon casting a shadow on the Earth's surface, blocking the sunlight from reaching certain regions.

 

There are three main types of solar eclipses. Let’s highlight each one!

 

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Partial 

In a partial solar eclipse, the Moon covers only a portion of the Sun, leaving a visible crescent shape. This is more common than a total eclipse and can be seen from a broader region.

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Total 

 

 

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, causing only the Sun's bright outer atmosphere (corona) to be visible around the edges of the Moon. Total solar eclipses are awe-inspiring and rare events, and they usually last only a few minutes in a specific location along the path of totality.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon can take on a reddish hue, often called a "blood moon." This happens because Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of light (blue and green) and allows longer wavelengths (red and orange) to pass through, casting a reddish tint on the eclipsed Moon.

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Annular 

 

In an annular solar eclipse, the Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a "ring of fire" appearance as the Sun's bright outer edge (the corona) remains visible. This happens when the Moon is near its apogee, the farthest point from Earth, making it appear smaller than the Sun's disk.

 

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Previous North American and South American Eclipse Dates

 

When was the last solar eclipse? The last big one to impact North America was in 2017; however, several others were visible in North and South America. Here is a rundown of each:

• 2021 – occurred over parts of the Arctic region and was primarily visible from northern Canada, Greenland, and northeastern Russia. It was a partial solar eclipse, meaning that only a portion of the Sun was covered by the Moon's shadow. The eclipse took place on June 10, 2021.
  
  
• 2020 – a total solar eclipse occurred on December 14, 2020, with its path of totality primarily crossing through parts of South America.
  
  
• 2019 – cruise passengers experienced a unique opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse while cruising across the open waters, creating an unforgettable celestial experience.
  
  
• 2018 – globally, there were two solar eclipses in 2018: one partial and one total eclipse, offering unique celestial phenomena throughout the year.
  
  
• 2017 – known as the "Great American Eclipse," this total eclipse was visible across the entire contiguous United States on August 21, 2017, drawing millions of people to witness this extraordinary astronomical event.

 

 

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When is the next solar eclipse?

 

In 2023 and 2024, North America will be treated to two spectacular solar eclipse events that will captivate skywatchers across the continent. On October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will grace the skies from Oregon to Texas, drawing the gaze of millions in the Western Hemisphere. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the Moon's position will be at the farthest point from Earth in its orbit, preventing it from completely obscuring the Sun. Instead, this unique phenomenon will create a mesmerizing "ring of fire" effect as the Sun's fiery light surrounds the Moon's shadow.

Then, on April 8, 2024, another celestial spectacle awaits as a total solar eclipse crosses North America, casting its shadow over portions of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, causing the sky to darken like dawn or dusk. This rare event will indeed be a sight to behold.

 

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Solar Eclipse 2024

 

The magnitude of the solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, is relatively rare, and the occurrence in readily accessible and populated areas is even rarer, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people to experience.

 

These solar eclipses offer unparalleled opportunities for sky enthusiasts and astronomers to witness one of the wonders of our galaxy. As always, it is crucial to remember to observe these celestial events safely, using proper eye protection to prevent any harm to your eyesight. So, mark your calendars, order your solar eclipse glasses, and prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of these upcoming solar eclipses.

 

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Common Questions

 

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What must happen for a solar eclipse to occur?

 

For a solar eclipse to happen, the following conditions must be met:

1.      Alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon: The Sun, Earth, and Moon must be aligned in a straight line. Specifically, the Moon must be positioned between the Earth and the Sun.

2.      New Moon Phase: The Moon must be in the "New Moon" phase. This happens when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from the Earth.

3.      Orbital Inclination: The Moon's orbital plane is tilted slightly relative to the Earth's orbit around the Sun. This means the Moon usually passes slightly above or below the line connecting the Earth and the Sun during the New Moon phase. However, a solar eclipse occurs when the alignment is nearly perfect.

4.      Node Crossing: The alignment must occur near one of the two points in the Moon's orbit where it crosses the plane of Earth's orbit around the Sun. These points are called the "nodes." A solar eclipse can only occur when the New Moon is close to a node.

5.      Apparent Size Match: As seen from Earth, the moon's apparent size must be large enough to cover the entire Sun. This is why not every New Moon results in a solar eclipse—the Moon's distance from Earth and its size in the sky play a crucial role.

 

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How often do solar eclipses occur?

 

• Solar eclipses are not a daily occurrence but happen relatively frequently. On average, there are about 2 to 5 solar eclipses each year. However, not all these eclipses are visible from any given location on Earth, and the visibility of a solar eclipse depends on various factors, including geographic location, the type of eclipse, and the path of the Moon's shadow (called the "path of totality").
   

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Why do we have solar eclipses?

 

• Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow on the Earth's surface. They happen because of the specific alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth during the New Moon phase. The Moon's orbit around the Earth, its inclination, and its size in relation to the Sun all play a role in determining the type and visibility of the eclipse. It's a stunning natural phenomenon that occurs when these celestial bodies come together in a precise configuration.

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When do solar eclipses occur?

 

• Solar eclipses are not random; they follow a specific pattern based on the relative positions and orbits of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Here are the key points to understand about when solar eclipses occur:
  
  
  
  • New Moon Phase: Solar eclipses only happen during the New Moon phase. This is when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, and the side of the Moon facing the Earth is not illuminated (the dark side).
    
    
  • Ecliptic Plane and Nodes: The Moon's orbit around the Earth is slightly tilted relative to the Earth's orbital plane around the Sun (ecliptic plane). This means that most of the time, the Moon's path takes it either above or below the Sun, from Earth's perspective. However, there are two points where the Moon's orbit intersects the ecliptic plane. These points are called the "ascending node" and "descending node."
    
    
  • Saros Cycle: Solar eclipses follow a cycle known as the Saros cycle, which is approximately 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours long. Eclipses separated by one Saros cycle have similar geometries and occur under similar conditions. This cycle allows for a general prediction of when and where solar eclipses will occur.
    
    
  • Path of Totality: The path of totality is the narrow strip on Earth's surface where the total phase of a solar eclipse is visible. Outside this path, a partial eclipse is visible. The path of totality can vary with each eclipse and depends on the Moon's position about the Earth-Sun line.
    
    
  • Geographical Variation: Solar eclipses are not visible from the entire Earth's surface during each event. The visibility depends on where the path of totality falls and whether the eclipse occurs during daytime at a specific location.

 

 

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Keeping You Protected When You Look Up

 

Traditionally, MCR Safety specializes in protecting your eyes when focused on work tasks. With that said, our mission statement is “We Protect People.” That mission doesn’t stop when you leave the worksite—it follows you wherever you need protection.

Protecting your eyes is crucial during a solar eclipse. Wear our specially designed solar glasses and follow our safety guidelines for worry-free viewing. Prepare for the awe-inspiring solar eclipse event of the decade—the Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024! Don’t miss this rare celestial phenomenon, and ensure your eyes are safe with our premium solar eclipse glasses. Our total solar eclipse glasses are designed to provide unmatched clarity and safety.

 

 

🛒 Order MCR Safety Solar Eclipse Glasses after NSC 🛒

 

Don’t wait until the last minute when everyone will order, as lead times may increase. Order your solar eclipse glasses today to experience this extraordinary event with crystal-clear vision and complete safety.

 

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