Safely Enjoy the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024!

In one month, make sure to catch the Total Solar Eclipse!

The following information is from bexar.org:

Here in Bexar County, we will have a great view of the upcoming eclipse: 

Monday, April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

With such a unique opportunity, it’s best to get prepared so you can enjoy the eclipse safely.

Eye Protection

During a solar eclipse, it is never safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection or solar filters (for cameras, binoculars, etc.) designed for solar viewing. Looking at the sun without protection will instantly cause severe eye injury. Always inspect your eclipse glasses or viewers and any solar filters before use; if they are torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard the device. Always supervise children using solar viewers.

Eyewear

When watching with just your eyes, wear safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or use a safe handheld solar viewer at all times. 

Eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses; safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker and must meet safety standards.

Cameras, Binoculars, etc.

Items which use lenses (cameras, binoculars, or telescopes) need a proper solar filter to be used safely. Do NOT use eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes in place of a solar filter.

ISO Safety Standard

Safe solar viewers and filters are thousands of times darker and 

must meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard. 

Alternate Viewing Methods

If you aren't able to get eclipse glasses or solar filters, there are indirect methods to watch the eclipse which do not involve looking directly at the sun.

Click here for alternate viewing methods.

Sun & Heat Safety

Even during a solar eclipse, the sun will still be very bright. If you watch the entirety of an eclipse, you will be in direct sunlight for several hours during the time period when the sun’s rays are most intense. Take steps to protect yourself and your friends and family from the heat. Learn the symptoms of heat-related illness and what to do if someone is showing symptoms.

Wear Sunscreen

Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and apply it to all uncovered skin, remembering your nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet. Lip balms with SPF protection are also available. 

Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours or more often if you’re sweating.

Be sure to read the label on your sunscreen to ensure you use it correctly.

Other Sun Protection

Since sunscreen does not completely block UV radiation, additional protections are needed.

In addition to sunscreen, wear clothing to reduce the amount of skin exposed to the sun, such as long-sleeve shirts, pants, and broad-brim hats.

Stay in the shade as much as possible. If you are in an area with limited shade, bring an umbrella to create your own shade.

Remember: Sunglasses are NOT safe to wear during the eclipse.

Heat Safety

Staying hydrated is also important. Regularly drink plenty of fluids, regardless of how active you are.

Water and sports drinks are helpful for staying hydrated. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose sweating. Sugary and alcoholic drinks can worsen dehydration, so it’s best to pass on them.

Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, leaving the water in a shady area.

Click here for more information & resources.