Monday ' s solar eclipse

On Monday, August 21st we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch a total solar eclipse!  Since the Chicago area is not in the path of totality, we will be privy to about 90% of the eclipse. What a greatteaching opportunity we have for our children to learn about our universe and improve their interest in science. We strongly encourage parents to take this opportunity to share this momentous occasion with your kids as a way to get them interested in our world and in science. Viewing will be between11:30 am until 3pm in our area.Although an extremely rare occurrence, it is important to remember that it also can be very dangerous for a person ' s (or child ' s) eyes. Theonly way to safely view the eclipse is with a pair of properly fitting, NASA certified solar eclipse glasses.  Regular sunglasses will not work.Our friends at the Wheaton Eye Clinic shared with us the following recommendations from the National Eye Institute (NEI) to safely view the solar eclipse:A solar eclipse will be visible across North America for 2-3 hours on Monday, August 21, 2017.  Watching the moon slowly block out the sun is a rare opportunity but should be attempted with caution.“Never look directly at the sun or an eclipse!  The sun ’s rays can damage the retina and lead to permanent vision loss,” said Rachel Bishop, M.D., chief of the NEI Consult Service.  The retina is a light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye.  A condition called solar retinopathy ...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - Category: Pediatrics Tags: Safety Source Type: news