1. Total Solar Eclipse 14 November 2012
Astronomical Association of Queensland Science Teachers Association of Queensland
Total Solar Eclipse 14 November 2012
Observe the Eclipse Safely

2. WARNING:
Never look directly at the bright surface of the Sun without proper eye protection as permanent eye damage may result. This applies at any time and especially during the partial phases of a solar eclipse. Refer to the advice issued by the Queensland Government about how to view the eclipse safely.

3. Dangers in Viewing the Sun
Humans have a natural response to look away if attempting to view the Sun but:
people, especially young children, may be tempted to try to look at the Sun if there is an eclipse.
Intense visible light can cause damage to, or can destroy light sensitive cells in our eyes.
Infrared radiation from the Sun can literally burn the retina (called photocoagulation).
Victims may be unaware of the damage because:
there are no pain receptors in the retina; and
any damage may not be apparent for several hours.

4. Eclipse Viewing
It is not safe to look directly at a partial solar eclipse, an annular eclipse or the partial phases of a total solar eclipse without using the proper equipment or techniques.
The same precautions must be taken with viewing the eclipse as for viewing the Sun at any other time.
Even when 99% of the Sun’s surface is covered during a partial eclipse, the remaining crescent is still intense enough to cause a burn, even though lighting levels may be similar to twilight.
Failure to use proper observing methods may result in permanent eye damage and severe loss of vision.

5. Queensland Government Safe Viewing Advice
1. Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. It is possible to suffer serious and permanent eye damage by looking at a solar eclipse the wrong way, even for a very short time. 2. Always use solar eclipse glasses, or filters that have been made specifically to attach to hand-held glasses, telescopes or binoculars for safe solar eclipse viewing. 3. Look for filters that have been appropriately certified against the European Standard for personal eye equipment (EN1836:2005 +A1:2007) or the Australian Standard for welding shields and goggles with a lens category higher than 12 (AS/NZS :1992 & AS/NZS :1992). 4. Before using solar eclipse glasses or filters, check to see if they are scratched or damaged. If so, do not use them as they will not fully protect your eyes. 5. Do not use solar eclipse glasses or filters that do not show compliance with the Standards listed above – they may do you more harm than good. 6. Do not look directly through binoculars, telescopes or camera optical viewfinders. It is not safe to use regular sunglasses, exposed film or x-ray film to view a solar eclipse. 7. Alternative safe viewing methods include using pinhole, binocular or telescope projection. Visit (the NASA website) for details on how to do this safely. For information on filters for telescopes or binoculars visit (the NASA eclipse safety website). This advice is available on the following Queensland Government website: .

6. Safe Observing - Projection
Make a pinhole projector:
Two pieces of card;
Small hole in one;
Have your back to the Sun;
Hold the cards 1 metre apart;
Project an image of the Sun through the hole in the card onto the other card.
Do NOT look through the hole in the card at the Sun.
Follow Activity 10 for full instructions.

7. Safe Observing - Projection
Pinhole projector enhancements:
Experiment with different sized holes and distance between the two cards;
Enclose in a mailing tube, or
Enclose in a cardboard box;
See Activity 10 for more information.
Binocular or telescope projection:
Must be done by a responsible person;
Follow activity 11;
Use correct safety procedures.

8. Safe Observing - Projection
Use a Solarscope or similar projection device.
Some schools have a Solarscope after the Transit of Venus.
Follow the instructions to orientate it.
Watch the projected image of the Sun.

9. Safe Observing – Eclipse Glasses
Make sure the glasses comply with the standards as advised in the Queensland Government’s advice.
Read and follow the Queensland Government’s advice on how to use them.
Follow the instructions printed on the glasses.
Look after the glasses. Check that they are not damaged before using them.
Do not stare continuously at the Sun with the glasses – take frequent breaks.
They are not a toy.
Do not play with them.

10. Ways to Protect Ourselves from the Sun
Wear a hat.
Wear a shirt.
Use sunscreen.
Wear sunglasses when out in the Sun.
Don’t stay out in the Sun too long.
Use safe observing methods to watch the eclipse – projection or eclipse glasses.
Help your family and friends to protect their eyesight.

11. Observing the Total Part of a Total Solar Eclipse
NASA has provided the following information about viewing the total part of the eclipse:
“the total phase of an eclipse can and should be viewed without any filters whatsoever. The naked eye view of totality is not only completely safe; it is truly and overwhelmingly awe-inspiring!”
So, if you are in the path of totality (and you must be certain of this) you must remove your filter (eg eclipse glasses) in order to see the total part of the eclipse, but
you must keep the filter on until the Sun is no longer visible (even the tiniest part) and it goes very dark; and
you must look away or replace the filter immediately any part of the Sun reappears.
Teacher – It is suggested that you delete this slide if you are not in the path of totality

12. Total Solar Eclipse 14 November 2012
Astronomical Association of Queensland Science Teachers Association of Queensland
Total Solar Eclipse 14 November 2012
Observe the Eclipse Safely
This presentation is copyright by the Astronomical Association of Queensland and the Science Teachers Association of Queensland. It may be freely reproduced and/or modified provided that it is for non-commercial purposes and the source is acknowledged.
Address any request for use of the material for commercial purposes to