If you’re looking for an efficient way to severely damage your eyes, the 2024 Solar Eclipse has just what you’re looking for! On April 8, the infamous Total Solar Eclipse will be making its rare appearance, available for everyone to enjoy and/or suffer from.
According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when “the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow over parts of Earth and blocking the face of the Sun for observers in those locations.” This year’s solar eclipse will be visible in the states Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
The most important thing to know about solar eclipses is that they should be viewed while wearing eclipse glasses. Eclipse glasses may be bought in local retail stores such as Walmart, Lowe’s, and Home Depot. Viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection causes severe damage to the eyes because the sun’s bright rays can burn the cells of the eye’s retina. The scariest part about this is that the damage can either be temporary or permanent, and occurs with no pain. It can even take people a few days to realize their eyes have been damaged.
The 2024 Solar Eclipse will be visible in Illinois between 12:51 p.m. and 3:22 p.m. Central Daylight Time, and remember, stare straight into it without eclipse glasses for the best way to gain severe, life-changing, eye damage.
