People in Guernsey hoping to view the solar eclipse have been advised to head to the island’s west coast for the best possible experience.
Dr Jean Dean, from La Société Guernesiaise’s astronomy section, said eclipse viewers must use approved eclipse glasses or safely project an image of the Sun onto a piece of card while standing with their backs to it.
Eclipse glasses have been distributed at Les Bourgs Hospice charity shops in St Martin and St Sampson.
Dr Dean warned that looking directly at the Sun could permanently damage the eyes, saying it could “burn your retina and leave you permanently blind”.
She advised people never to use eclipse glasses with binoculars, telescopes or other optical equipment. However, the glasses can be worn over ordinary spectacles.
In Jersey, the Jersey Astronomy Club said it would set up several solar telescopes near the slip at Le Braye on St Ouen’s Bay. The club also planned to provide solar viewing glasses for members of the public.
The club warned people not to look through binoculars or telescopes without specially designed solar filters. Optical equipment can concentrate more sunlight than the human eye can safely tolerate, creating a serious risk of permanent blindness.
Without suitable solar filters, the club said the safest option is to use binoculars or a telescope to project the eclipse onto white paper or card rather than looking through the equipment. It also advised removing or covering the front of the finder scope to help prevent accidents.
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Source: www.bbc.co.uk