Laura Luciano of Stockton looks at the solar eclipse looks through special glasses during a watch party held by the Delta College Physics-Math-Computer Sciences Club and the the Stockton Astronomical Society on the campus of San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton on Oct. 14, 2023.
A rare total solar eclipse in North America next Monday has people set to flock to spots along its path of totality, but there are a couple of things to know before you go.
First, it’s dangerous. If you’re going to peek at the merging of celestial bodies, get proper eye protection to prevent the fluid in your eye cells from boiling.
Second, be patient. Cities and entire regions are preparing for the event, with a number of them already declaring a state of emergency ahead of the surge of visitors. Officials are concerned about the strain on fuel, first responders, cellular service, grocery stores, and roads.
The Niagara region in Canada, a prime viewing spot, declared a state of emergency as it anticipates a million visitors. Bell County, Texas, another choice viewing location, is concerned that its population may double with eclipse watchers. Other counties are doing the same, including Oswego County and Jefferson County in New York.
Unfair punishment? New York inmates are suing the government for the right to watch the eclipse, citing religious rights, after state prisons instituted a pre-event lockdown.
We’ll be watching this one – presuming the clouds steer clear – with the proper safety eyeglasses, of course.