Do's and Don'ts during Solar Eclipse, Surya Grahan – what you must know

• On June 12, 2020, the world will see the first solar eclipse for the year 2020.
  
  
• This is a total solar eclipse that can be seen from many parts of India.
  
  
• Here are a few do’s and don’ts for solar eclipse you need to bear in mind as the eclipse happens.
  

2020 will see the year’s first solar eclipse on June 12. Eclipses are some interesting astronomical events that are watched with awe and wonder. Since the days of yore, there have been some beliefs associated with eclipses across different cultures — like keeping children and pregnant women away or avoiding travel. But, they are only superstitions.

Here are some practical dos and don’ts of a solar eclipse:

Do’s during a solar eclipse

According to the National Astronomical Space Administration (NASA), the only safe way to observe the solar eclipse is using special-purpose solar filters or ‘eclipse glasses’.

Viewers are advised against using homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses — even the darkest pair that they own — because they would transmit far too much sunlight that could damage the eyes.

Even with eclipse glasses, shield your eyes before looking up at the Sun. Only remove the glasses if you’ve completely looked away — not before.

Scientists also caution against other methods of looking at the sun like using a camera, a telescope, and binoculars — even if you’re using your eclipse glasses at the time. The concentrated solar rays could cause injury.

If you wear glasses in your day-to-day, do not take them off. The eclipse glasses can just go over them or invest in a hand-held viewer.

Don’ts during the solar eclipse

Don’t try and watch the solar eclipse as you drive. According to AAA, you should drive with your headlight on and safely park your car before you gazing at the event — with adequate protection.

Since you probably won’t be the only one on the road, watch out for other distracted drivers. AAA advises that you keep some additional space between cars and slow down so that you’ll have more time to make an emergency manoeuvre if required.

If you’re going to watching the solar eclipse with children, make sure to supervise.

See also:
No, the solar eclipse won’t harm your baby — or your achaar

10 stunning pictures you must see if you missed the 'Ring of Fire' solar eclipse

Modi missed the ‘Ring of Fire’ solar eclipse— here’s how you can still catch a glimpse