A historic solar eclipse is expected to occur in Illinois next week, and health officials are issuing a series of safety warnings ahead of the celestial event.
“A total solar eclipse is a rare and remarkable event,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Bohra. “Everyone on the path to the eclipse is going to have a really great experience, and in the public health field we want to ensure it's a safe one.”
Naturally, the starting point for these safety tips is in the form of eye safety, and authorities say that viewing a partial solar eclipse without eye protection, even with 99% coverage, can lead to permanent solar eclipses. Warned that it may cause permanent eye damage.
This includes looking at the sun while wearing sunglasses that offer no protection when viewing a solar eclipse.
Instead, people are urged to obtain approved eclipse viewing glasses or use techniques such as pinhole projection to watch the eclipse progress across the sky.
With thousands of residents likely to travel to other areas to check their general condition, drivers are being urged to carry vehicle safety kits in case they are stranded at home. These kits should also include items such as non-perishable food, water, medicine, and possibly blankets.
Time is running out to buy glasses for the 2024 total solar eclipse.
Hikers should avoid hiking as the eclipse's path is set to pass through several national forests and state parks, making cliff sides and other areas slippery and threatening the safety of people outdoors. People are asked to stay on marked trails during the eclipse.
A solar eclipse will sweep across southern Illinois on Monday, marking Carbondale's second totality in seven years, according to NASA.
The eclipse has already reached there around 1:58 pm and will last about 4 minutes. Fairfield and Mount Carmel will also be in the path of the eclipse, and totality will end around 2:06 p.m.
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