Partial solar eclipse expected Wednesday – doctor warns against looking directly at the sun
A partial solar eclipse will be visible on Wednesday, August 12, but experts urge people to watch it safely and avoid looking directly at the sun. An eye doctor warns that both unaided viewing and use of binoculars or telescopes can be dangerous.
On Wednesday, August 12, a partial solar eclipse will be observable over Latvia, but caution is advised when watching this natural phenomenon. Eye doctor Anda Balgalve told LSM.lv that looking directly at the sun during the eclipse is not safe and can damage eyesight.
Why binoculars and telescopes should be avoided
Viewing the eclipse through binoculars or a telescope without a proper protective filter is said to be especially dangerous, since such optical instruments intensify solar radiation and can cause irreversible damage to the central part of the eye's retina.
Old folk methods are not a safe alternative
The doctor also warned against relying on traditional, long-passed-down methods, such as soot-covered pieces of glass, since these do not provide adequate eye protection and can create a false sense of safety.
Experts recommend using only specially designed, certified protective equipment to watch the eclipse, in order to avoid eye damage while safely enjoying this relatively rare celestial event.
