City Reminds Citizens to use Caution While Viewing Annular Eclipse
On Saturday, October 14, Lubbock will be in the viewing path of the annular eclipse. An annular eclipse happens when the moon passes directly in front of the sun, but since the moon is too small to completely cover the sun, it will leave a visible ring of sunlight. The eclipse will begin along the Pacific coast in Oregon and travel through. Texas down to the Gulf Coast.
Around 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Lubbock will start to experience diminishing sunlight due to the eclipse path. Since many people will be outside enjoying fall weather and sporting events, and tailgating for the Texas Tech/Kansas State football game, the City of Lubbock wants to remind citizens to view the eclipse with extreme caution. Staring too long at it can cause serious and permanent damage to your eyes and vision.
Experts recommend using specifically designed eclipse glasses or a solar filter which meet the International Organizations of Standardization 123 12-2 standard.
Here are other tips and warnings:
- You can use a welder’s helmet to view the eclipse directly IF it is equipped with a 14 or darker filter
- Sunglasses are not safe to use to view an eclipse
- Limit the time you spend directly viewing the eclipse to reduce the risk of eye strain
- Keep a close eye on children to ensure they do not remove their eclipse glasses or use inadequate eye protection
- If you experience vision problems after viewing the eclipse, see the eye doctor immediately
There are several locations around the city that are offering eclipse viewing glasses and viewing events Saturday morning:
- Texas Tech University Physics & Astronomy will be handing out free glasses at a viewing event at the YWCA on 6501 University.
- The Museum of Texas Tech, 3301 4th Street, will also host a viewing event with free glasses Saturday.
- The Science Spectrum’s Eclipse Viewing Party will be at 2579 S. Loop 289 with glasses available in the gift shop.
