Cobb & Douglas Public Health Recommends Tips For Staying Safe While Viewing Eclipse

On Monday, August 21, 2017, residents in Cobb and Douglas counties will have the opportunity to see the moon pass in front of the sun during the 2017 Total Eclipse. Cobb & Douglas Public Health urges all residents to remain safe while viewing the solar eclipse.

Both NASA and the Georgia Department of Public Health recommend the tips listed below for safe eclipse viewing:

• It’s never safe to look directly at the sun, or eye damage may occur.
• Viewing the solar eclipse should be done through “eclipse glasses” that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
• See the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Reputable Vendors of Solar Filters & Viewers for a list of dealers of eclipse glasses.
• To find out which libraries near you are distributing free eclipse glasses, see the library map on the STAR Net website.
• Retinal damage to eyes may occur while attempting to stare at the sun.
• Solar retinopathy is a result of too much ultraviolet light flooding the eye’s retina.
• If you damage your eyes trying to view the solar eclipse, please contact your healthcare provider.

• Stand still, and put on your eclipse glasses before looking up at the eclipse. Turn away to remove your eclipse glasses — do not remove them while looking at the sun.
• Do not look at the eclipse through a camera, a telescope or binoculars while using your eclipse glasses — the sun will damage the filter and your eyes.
• Always inspect your eclipse glasses before use; if scratched or damaged, do not use.
• Supervise children viewing the eclipse.
• Remove your eclipse glasses only when the moon completely covers the sun, and it gets dark. Then, as soon as the sun begins to reappear, put your eclipse glasses back on.
• Learn more about viewing the eclipse in a safe manner at: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety.

About Cobb & Douglas Public Health

Cobb & Douglas Public Health, along with the Georgia Department of Public Health, has been committed to the mission of "Healthier Lives. Healthier Community.” since 1920. We are dedicated to improving our residents’ quality of life by tracking and preventing the spread of disease, promoting health and safety, providing exceptional medical services, and ensuring that our community is prepared for public health emergencies. For more information, visit www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.