BY BOBBY HAMILTON, SARAH HERRING, AND CHRIS WEST
Junior Claire Sawyer knows what not to do during the eclipse.
“I plan on being indoors and not looking at the sky. I don’t have glasses that are safe enough for the eclipse, so I’m taking extra precautions,” Sawyer said.
As this first eclipse of the year to be seen in the United States approached, Sawyer and others knew it is important to make sure you have the proper equipment and eyewear to witness the full experience.
The full eclipse, known as totality, happens when the moon completely covers the sun.
This only lasts 1 to 2 minutes, but it is an incredible experience. The light of day gives way to a deep twilight sky. The sun’s outer atmosphere (called the solar corona) gradually appears, glowing like a halo around the moon in front of it, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
The solar eclipse can be harmful for pets, not just humans. It's important for pet owners to plan.
“With the eclipse happening we must take extra precautions with our horses, especially when they are outside. Due to the impact, it could have to their vision,” Ahern said.
Experts recommended pet owners make sure their animals aren’t looking at the sun naturally.
Tyler Marshal is taking precautions to keep his puppy safe during the eclipse.
“During the eclipse he will be staying inside. "We are going to make sure he stays inside through the whole duration of it to ensure his safety,” said Marshall.
When talking about precautions NASA has stated that even if it is a partial eclipse, you should wear sunscreen, a hat and clothing to protect the skin. It is heavily discouraged to not look at the sun and only to do so with special sunglasses. When it comes to these protective glasses, eclipse sunglasses are specifically designed to block all visible and infrared light while you are trying to get a brief look at the eclipse in its prime.
The next solar eclipse won’t be seen until Aug. 23, 2044.