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This is why you don't look directly at a solar eclipse
Remember all that talk about eclipse glasses ahead of the full solar eclipse in August? Remember NASA repeatedly letting everyone know how important those glasses were for eye safety? Do you remember how many times you heard someone say to not under any circumstances look directly at the sun during the eclipse? Well despite all of those persistent warnings, some people still did just that and a new paper published today in JAMA Ophthalmology shows that just six seconds of unprotected viewing can cause permanent damage.
I didn't see the eclipse in totality, but it was still pretty great
Like more than a few stories in my life, this is one of procrastination and regret. Yesterday's total solar eclipse was the first to be viewable from the US in my lifetime, and my hometown of Lincolnville, South Carolina, was right in the path of totality. But I live in New York now, and for a number of reasons, I wasn't able to travel to see the eclipse in all of its glory. And believe me when I tell you that I was a whiny brat about it -- especially as the big day drew closer.
The eclipse caused people to look away from their screens
Turns out all it takes for people to put down their phones is a once-in-a-lifetime event. In case you missed it, the eclipse took over the sun (and our lives) yesterday. Flocks of people headed to the towns and cities within the path of totality to catch it in full. As a a result, smartphones, laptops, and even streaming services went unnoticed -- for a little while. People bonded, Trump somehow didn't go blind, and (for a brief moment) the horrid events of the past weeks were drowned out as we took in the awe-inspiring sight.
The solar eclipse hype is annoying, but the event is worth it
By now, it's possible that you are completely fatigued by the August 21st total solar eclipse and all the media hype surrounding it -- and it hasn't even happened yet. It seems as though every outlet is talking nonstop about this event. But this actually is a big deal, which is why it's gotten so much coverage. Let us break it down for you; this is one of those rare cases where the actual event is worth all the hype around it.
