View the Upcoming Solar Eclipse Safely

Aug. 18, 2017 Pontiac, MI – Oakland County Health Division encourages residents to view the upcoming solar eclipse safely. A partial solar eclipse will be viewable in Oakland County on Monday, August 21, between 1:02 p.m. and 3:46 p.m., with the maximum eclipse visibility at 2:26 p.m. Staring at the sun during the eclipse, for even a short time, without wearing the right eye protection can cause permanent eye damage. 

Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for looking at solar eclipses. Special purpose solar filters must be used. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Astronomical Society suggest the following steps to safely watch the eclipse:

• Purchase eclipse glasses or viewers from a reputable source. The American Astronomical Society has a list of reputable vendors of solar filters and viewers. Visit eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters for more information.

• Always read and follow all directions that come with the solar filter or eclipse glasses. 
• Help children use handheld solar viewers and eclipse glasses correctly.
• Carefully look at the solar filter or eclipse glasses before using them. If there are any scratches or damage, do not use them.
• Before looking up at the bright sun, stand still and cover both eyes with the eclipse glasses or solar viewer. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove the filter—do not remove it while looking at the sun.
• Never look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars or other similar devices. This is important even if wearing eclipse glasses or holding a solar viewer at the same time. The sun’s rays are too powerful coming through these devices and will damage a person’s eyes as well as solar filter.

• For a complete list of tips for safely viewing the eclipse, visit eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety.

Local sites in Oakland County will be holding solar eclipse viewing opportunities open to the public. Event details are as follows: 

Cranbrook Institute of Science

• Address: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
• Times: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Cost: Free with museum admission: $13/adults, $9.50/ages 2-12, free/under 2; additional fees apply for the planetarium shows
• Phone: 248-645-3200

Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center

• Address: 5175 Indian Trail, White Lake
• Times: 1-3:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free/admission, $10/parking
• Phone: 248-625-7280

Kensington Metropark Nature Center

• Address: 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford
• Times: 1-3:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free/admission, $10/parking without a Metropark pass
• Phone: 810-227-8910

Ferndale Public Library 

• Address: 222 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
• Times: 1-4 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Phone: 248-546-2504

Southfield Public Library

• Address: 26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield
• Times: 1-4 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Phone: 248-796-4200
• Viewing glasses will be provided

VollBrecht Planetarium

• Address: 19100 Filmore St., Southfield
• Times: 1-4 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Phone: 248-746-8880
• View the eclipse up close through protective telescopes and binoculars.

Novi Public Library

• Address: 45255 W. 10 Mile Road, Novi
• Times: 1-4:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Phone: 248-349-0720
• Eclipse will be live streamed on the big screen at the library so that everyone can watch it safely and without glasses.

Salem-South Lyon District Library

• Address: 9800 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon
• Times: 10-10:45 a.m.
• Cost: Free
• Phone: 248-437-6431
• Registration required

For up-to-date information, visit www.oakgov.com/health, and follow the Health Division on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @publichealthOC.

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