Surya Grahan 2022: Safety tips you MUST follow while watching the first solar eclipse of this year
The first solar eclipse or surya grahan of the year 2022 will finally take place on April 30. The astronomical event will begin at 12:15 pm on April 30 and will last till 4:07 am on 1st May. There are many who are still confused about what happens when a solar eclipse takes place. For people unversed, it is an event which takes place when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and blocks the sun. This time the eclipse will not be visible in India but in many other countries like-- Atlantic, Antarctica, South Western part of South America and the Pacific Ocean. While many are excited for the same, there are others who wish to know details about how they can watch the eclipse. In case you are one of those, let us inform you that it is not advisable to watch the event with naked eyes.
Here are several safety measures that are enlisted to help people watch the Surya Grahan without damaging their eyes. Have a look:
- Sunglasses, goggles, exposed x-ray sheet or lampblack over a glass should not be used as they are not safe.
- Looking at the sun directly should be avoided. Not only this but the reflection of the Sun in the water is also not advisable as water does not reduce the intensity of sunrays to safe limits.
- Do not try to cover glass with lampblack or carbon soot and then try to view the eclipse.
- Look at the shadow of a bush or a tree. With the gaps between the leaves acting like a pinhole, numerous images of the eclipsed Sun can be seen on the ground. A strainer can be used for making pinhole images.
- Get a pair of specially made goggles to watch the ring of fire, which will allow you to look directly at the Sun without damaging your retina.
- If you do not have access to special equipment like glasses, you can make a pinhole in a card sheet and hold it under the Sun.
- In case you are driving during the time of an eclipse, make sure you keep the headlights of your vehicle on.
