For the second time in six months, Santa Monica residents will be able to view a solar eclipse, though the event is more rare than that timeframe would suggest.
Monday’s solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon blocks out a part of the sun, will be nearly nationwide in the morning hours. According to NASA, Santa Monica will have mostly sunny skies for optimal viewing experience, and although the city won’t be privy to a full eclipse, a max coverage of 48.4% is expected at about 11:11am. The partial eclipse will begin at 10:35am, and will be over by just after 12pm.
Back in October, an "annular" eclipse occurred, meaning the moon did not completely block out the sun, rather leaving a glowing ring around it. The last time a solar eclipse was seen throughout the United States was in 2017, and this will be the final chance to view the event throughout the entire nation until 2044. According to timeanddate.com, this will be the last partial solar eclipse able to be observed in the Los Angeles area until Jan. 14, 2029.
A total solar eclipse, with 100% blockage of the sun, will be seen Monday in cities like Dallas, San Antonio, Indianapolis and Cleveland. The Los Angeles area, including Santa Monica, is one of the rare spots in California to approach the 50% blockage rate, as the eclipse percentage drops further north.
To celebrate the occasion, Grant Elementary School will be offering students the opportunity to view the eclipse with special glasses for students and staff to use during the astronomical event. To meet an international standard, Grant’s eclipse viewing glasses are certified to meet specific safety requirements and offer adequate protection against harmful solar radiation. The CE and ISO certified glasses ensure that students’ eyes are fully protected from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays, and are recognized by the American Astronomical Society’s Solar Eclipse Task Force as being safe solar viewers and filters.
All viewers of the eclipse should be taking similar precautions, said UnitedHealthcare Vice President of Clinical Programs Dr. Premilla Banwait.
"While the solar eclipse is a fun and educational opportunity for everyone, there are precautions you should take to help maintain your eye health while safely viewing this spectacle," Dr. Banwait said. "Looking at a solar eclipse without proper protection may cause serious eye damage, including blurry vision that can last months, or even permanent problems such as ‘eclipse blindness.’"
To stay safe, Banwait has several tips to consider during the event:
• Be protected with proper eclipse viewing glasses, which are much more heavily tinted than regular sunglasses.
• Use certified solar eclipse glasses, specifically ones reviewed by the International Organization for Standardization, and make sure to read and follow any instructions packaged with or printed on the glasses.
• Do not look at the sun through a camera, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device.
• Eclipse glasses should be worn during the entirety of the eclipse event.
• If you or a loved one experienced eye discomfort or vision problems following the eclipse, visit a local eye care professional for a comprehensive exam.
