How to safely view the solar eclipse in Dover

posted on: 4/7/2024

Dover residents will have a front-row seat on Monday, April 8, to a stunning celestial event – a near-total solar eclipse. As the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, it will obscure about 95% of the sun's light over the Garrison City.

While this remarkable astronomical phenomenon promises to be a captivating sight, Dover Fire Chief Michael McShane urges the public to take necessary precautions to protect their eyes and ensure a safe viewing experience.

"The solar eclipse is a rare and extraordinary occurrence, but looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage," McShane said. "We want everyone to enjoy this celestial spectacle while prioritizing their safety."

To ensure a safe and enjoyable eclipse viewing, Chief McShane and Dover Fire and Rescue offer the following guidance:

Eye Safety:

Use specialized eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers with an ISO 12312-2 certification to view the eclipse directly.
Regular sunglasses or homemade filters do not provide adequate protection and should not be used.
Supervise children closely to ensure they use proper eye protection.
Never look directly at the sun through cameras, telescopes, binoculars or any other optical device without specialized solar filters.

Viewing Location:

Plan to view the eclipse from a safe, designated viewing area or parking lot.
Do not pull over on the side of the road, turnpike or highway to observe the eclipse, as this poses a significant safety risk.
Consider watching the eclipse live-streamed online or on television if you cannot find a suitable viewing location.

Additional Precautions:

Inspect solar filters for any scratches or damage before use and discard if compromised.
Use pinhole projection as a safe, indirect method to view the eclipse.
Be mindful of your surroundings and stay away from hazardous areas during the eclipse.

The solar eclipse will be visible in Dover from approximately 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the peak of the near-total eclipse occurring around 3:15 p.m.

The Dover Public Library is holding an eclipse viewing party on the front lawn of the Library beginning at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Some free eclipse glasses are available while supplies last.

For more information about the eclipse, visit https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/.

For additional safety information, visit https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/how-to-watch-a-solar-eclipse.

Dover Fire and Rescue encourages all residents to take the necessary precautions and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event safely.