On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. Parts of Texas will experience the eclipse, including Houston and Austin; however, current weather reports are not favorable for viewing due to clouds and potential rain showers. Click here to view the path.
If the weather cooperates, we expect many will be interested in viewing the eclipse, especially as it will begin during lunch hours. Please keep these safety tips in mind:
- Please consult your leader prior to leaving your work area, so we can ensure proper coverage, particularly in clinical units.
- Wear eclipse glasses or use a handheld solar viewer for eye protection during the partial eclipse phases before and after the total eclipse. Make sure the glasses or viewers meet ISO standard 12312-2.
- If you don’t have eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, you can use an indirect viewing method, which does not involve looking directly at the Sun.
- You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection ONLY when the Moon completely obscures the Sun – during the brief period known as “totality.” (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the Sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)
- As soon as you see even a little bit of the Sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the Sun.
- Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer – the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury.
- Even during a partial eclipse, the sun will be very bright. If you are watching an entire eclipse, you may be in direct sunlight for hours. Remember to wear sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing to prevent skin damage.
Source: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety
The temperature will drop during the total eclipse, so prepare for a period of colder temperatures.