What can I do to see the eclipse if I don't have a personal pair of glasses?
Some retailers or scalpers can be selling eclipse glasses at an incredibly marked up price. Just recently I saw some glasses I got for 85 cents back in April selling for more than $50. Some retailers are also providing fakes that are not certified. How can you know if yours are ok. Check out the link below.
https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters
The glasses we have been giving out from our site are from the top entry on the approved vendor listing (American Paper Optics (Eclipser) / EclipseGlasses.com / 3dglassesonline.com).
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| Eclipse Glasses |
However, if you missed the opportunity to get glasses there is a free solution that only requires raiding your personal recycling bin!
This is what I have done in the past. Grab a piece of cardboard and put a hole in it approximately the size of a quick stab with a pen. Make sure the hole is trim around the edges. Throw a sheet of paper on the ground outside. Using the cardboard, and without looking at the Sun, angle it towards the Sun placing it so you can see the light through the hole on the sheet of paper. Move the cardboard closer or further from the sheet of paper for better focus. The Sun will be projected onto the paper and you'll be able to see the eclipse without even having to face the Sun.
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| Projection Method |
There are also events around town that will have public access to use solar eclipse glasses or filtered telescopes. The University of Calgary will have a setup near the engineering building. See the link below for details.
http://www.ucalgary.ca/rao/event/2017-08-21/solar-eclipse-2017
The Telus Spark will also be hosting a variety of events during the time of the eclipse. A link is also provided below.
http://www.sparkscience.ca/experience-telus-spark/events/eclipse-party/
I will also be hosting a solar filtered telescope and eclipse glasses down at Olympic Plaza from 10-1 for anyone who would like to witness this great event. Stay tuned to our twitter (@simonjastronomy) or facebook page (www.facebook.com/simonjastronomy) for the exact location the morning of the eclipse.
How can I ensure I am safe?
Some people believe the myth that during an eclipse you have to stay inside because it is dangerous. The only truth to this myth is that during a solar eclipse most people want to look at the Sun. It is not any different than any other day except for that desire. Do not look directly at the Sun on any day.
Eclipse glasses must be used throughout the entirety of the eclipse as seen from Calgary if you are directly looking at the Sun. The only time they can be removed is if you are in the totality zone in the United States for the brief 2 minutes the Moon fully covers the Sun. Do not use them for driving or everyday walking; only for direct solar viewing.
Do not use optical aid with the glasses. Never use unfiltered binoculars, cameras or telescopes with your eclipse glasses. They are designed for unaided viewing. The binoculars, camera or telescope must be properly filtered at the aperture which can not be achieved with eclipse glasses.
NASA has provided a page on eclipse safety for more detailed information below.
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us on our facebook page. Enjoy the eclipse and be safe!
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