News

City Issues Safety Precautions for Solar Eclipse August 21

COVINGTON, KY -   On Monday, August 21 the moon will completely cover the sun causing a solar eclipse to occur across North America. As a result, the City issues warnings and precautionary measures so as to ensure the safety of its citizens.
 
According to the website Precision Eclipse, the partial eclipse will begin approximately at 1:01 p.m. in Covington. The eclipse will reach maximum eclipse capacity approximately at 2:29 p.m. and end at 3:52 p.m. (Please note, these times are subject to change).

Many citizens will be working that day and will have to drive or work outdoors during the eclipse timeframe. It is important for citizens to be reminded that it is not safe to look at the sun during a solar eclipse.
 
Due to this danger, anyone who is going to view the solar eclipse should either view the occurrence indirectly by using a pinhole projection method or with approved solar filter glasses, as ordinary glasses will not filter out the dangerous rays.
 
NASA has created a safety sheet with more information as to how to stay safe during a solar eclipse.

Additionally, NASA issued the following Safety Tips:
  • Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter. Always supervise children using solar filters.
  •  Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After looking at the sun, turn away and remove your filter - do not remove it while looking at the sun.
  •  Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device. Similarly, do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer - the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury. Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device. Note that solar filters must be attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics.
  • If you are within the path of totality (https://go.nasa.gov/2pC0lhe), remove your solar filter only when the moon completely covers the sun's bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to look at the remaining partial phases.
A solar eclipse is one of nature's grandest spectacles. By adhering to these simple rules, citizens are able to safely enjoy this rare view.
 
For more information, please visit https://eclipse.aas.org/