Don’t miss it: The 2024 total solar eclipse will take place on April 8 and residents in counties and cities across the United States will have the chance to see what some are describing as “the largest solar eclipse of our lifetime in the United States -United “.
According to NASA, 13 states are in the path of totality of the total solar eclipse, along with countless cities and towns, including Carbondale, Illinois. Many more will be able to see a partial eclipse, with Chicago expected to see about 95 percent of it.
“Even though it’s a partial eclipse over Chicago, the sky will still get darker, with more than 90 percent of the sun covered,” said NBC 5 meteorologist Kevin Jeanes. “You’ll notice the crescent shape of the sun in all the shadows and through the lens of your phone’s camera. It sounds ominous but it’s a very exciting moment.”
Although the eclipse is a sight to behold, experts advise people against doing certain things when the day arrives. Here’s an overview of what not to do:
Do not use regular sunglasses or counterfeit solar eclipse glasses
According to experts, a solar eclipse can only be observed safely without glasses during its totality. Elsewhere, glasses will be absolutely necessary.
According to the Adler Planetarium, observing the solar eclipse without glasses can lead to irreversible eye damage within seconds, and because your eyes don’t have the nerve endings necessary to register the pain as it occurs, it will be too late by the time it occurs. you will know.
Ordinary sunglasses, even dark ones, are not safe to view the eclipse.
Aside from eclipse glasses, the following options outlined by the Illinois Department of Transportation also provide a safe way to view the event.
- Solar filters: If you want to use a telescope, binoculars or camera, do not use them without protection even if you have secure anti-eclipse glasses. Consult the manufacturer for the correct filter to attach to your device.
- Pinhole viewer: This is a simple and inexpensive way to view the eclipse indirectly. Simply take two sheets of white paper (cardstock is best) and punch a hole in the middle of one sheet. With your back to the sun, hold the sheet with the hole on the other sheet and adjust it until you see a point of light. It’s the sun! When the moon passes through the sun, a crescent appears.
Given the risk of irreversible eye damage from viewing the eclipse without protection, it is essential to ensure that the solar eclipse glasses used are not counterfeit.
However, there is no real way to tell real glasses from fakes just by looking at them.
“The glasses, if they are counterfeit, may appear to be in good condition, because they may be dark enough that you can make it look like it is safe to look at the sun. But what you don’t know , is that they allow ultraviolet and infrared light to pass through. That’s the thing that worries me the most,” said Michelle Nichols, director of public observation at the Adler Planetarium.
Detecting fact from fiction becomes even more difficult when companies tout unproven or inaccurate security claims.
“Just be careful and don’t assume just because it says safety glasses that they actually are because anyone can write it,” she said.
Experts suggest purchasing solar eclipse glasses from vendors deemed “safe” by the American Astronomical Society.
“These include companies and organizations with which members of the AAS Solar Eclipse Working Group have had good experience as well as other companies and organizations that have demonstrated to our satisfaction that the products they sell meet the safety requirements of ISO 12312-2. international standard,” the listing says.
Do not wear solar eclipse glasses while driving
While many areas of Illinois will need eclipse glasses to view the show safely, IDOT has cautioned against wearing them while driving because they block almost all visible light.
“Never take photos, videos or wear ‘eclipse glasses’ while driving,” the agency stressed.
Experts also warned people to turn on their headlights if they are driving during the event.
“Even though it is a partial eclipse over Chicago, the sky will still get dark, with more than 90 percent of the sun covered,” Jeanes said. Along the path of totality of the eclipse, the sky should become “much darker,” Jeanes added.
Do not stop along roads and bridges
IDOT warns of heavy traffic across the state, especially in southern Illinois near Carbondale, considering a prime viewing area for the event.
“The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible for approximately 128 miles of Illinois on April 8,” IDOT said in a message. “Totality enters Illinois crossing the southwest Missouri state line at Carbondale at 1:58 p.m. The eclipse will follow a diagonal line through Fairfield and leave Illinois at Mount Carmel at 2:06 p.m..”
“Crowds of 100,000 to 200,000 people are expected to travel to the prime viewing area of southern Illinois,” the agency warned. “All roads entering and exiting the area are expected to be heavily congested for the first few hours following the eclipse.”
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IDOT noted that I-57, which connects Chicago to the southern tip of the state, is the direct highway providing access to the path of totality. U.S. 45 runs through the middle of the entire path, and Illinois 1 and Interstates 64 and 70 will also provide access, IDOT said.
“Prepare for traffic congestion before, during and after the eclipse,” the agency warned, adding that it expects heavy traffic on rural roads, interstates and major highways leading to and from Chicago, St. Louis and other cities.
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Midwesterners traveling during the eclipse are encouraged to hit the road with a full tank of gas, a charged phone and bottled water. IDOT also warned drivers to be careful because “a large number of pedestrians” are expected to be near the roadways.
“If you are in a vehicle, do not stop along roads or bridges,” the agency said.
NBC Chicago
