Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris) are issuing a public health advisory ahead of the Solar Eclipse which will take place on Monday, April 8, 2024.
The City of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advises the public that a solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, aligning to block the sun from our view, leaving a glowing circle visible behind the moon.
The April 8, 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across the continental United States. In Western Massachusetts we will not experience a total eclipse, we will experience a partial solar eclipse from approximately 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024. The weather will also be a factor in the visibility of the eclipse.
Viewing – Protect Your Eyes
- Looking at the solar eclipse is only safe to do with specially designed glasses.
- DO NOT look up at the sun/eclipse without these special glasses. Improper eclipse viewing can lead to permanent eye damage.
- The safest way to view the eclipse is with the glasses that meet the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 12312-2:2015.
- Normal sunglasses, even very dark ones, do not provide protection when directly looking at the sun during an eclipse. To view the eclipse, use approved glasses with a special-purpose solar filter. Keep them on while viewing the eclipse and look away before removing them.
- Always inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use; if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard the device. Always supervise children using solar viewers.
- Do not look at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device when wearing eclipse glasses. The concentrated solar rays may burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury. There are special solar filters for items like camera lenses, telescopes, and binoculars that are needed to safely view the eclipse.
- Indirect viewing methods such as a pinhole projector is also a safe viewing option as it projects an image of the sun onto a surface so you can view the projected image, not the sun directly. DO NOT look at the sun through the pinhole. ONLY look at the projection.
Driving
- Watch for distracted drivers and pedestrians.
- Be careful not to view the eclipse inadvertently. Put the sun visor down to block your view of the sun. Close the sunroof.
- Turn on vehicle headlights.
- Do not drive with eclipse glasses on.
- Pull over to photograph the eclipse: don’t attempt to do so while driving. Do not text and drive. Remember, it is not safe to look at the eclipse through your camera lense.
- Be prepared for frequent stops: traffic may be problematic if people stop on the road to view the eclipse.
Outdoor Activities
- It is not dangerous to be outdoors during the solar eclipse. Take caution not to look up at the sun.
- If you are outside for an extended period, be aware of prolonged sun exposure.
- Wear sunscreen with a high SPF and broad-spectrum protection.
- Wear a hat that covers your head, face, ears, and neck. A wide-brimmed hat can also shield your eyes from the sun.
- Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Be prepared for general excitement around viewing the eclipse and gatherings or increased traffic that may occur. Stay calm and be aware of your surroundings.
Pets
- Pets are safest if kept inside during the eclipse. While most pets’ instincts keep them from looking right at the sun, keeping them inside is the safest way to ensure they are not affected by the eclipse. Pets will not be safe viewing the eclipse with special glasses.