SAFETY TIPS FOR THE ECLIPSEBegins: 1:19pm • Maximum Partial Eclipse: 2:43pm • Ends: 4:01pm

08.21.17 Baltimore, MD

URGENTPLEASE READ!

M O N D A Y

Eclipse basicsWhat is an eclipse?A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the earth and sun and casts a shadow over the earth.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the sun. This rare and visually striking event, where the moon is illuminated by a fuzzy halo of sunlight, will last anywhere from a few seconds to about two minutes and forty seconds in the path of totality. The sky will slowly darken and temperatures will drop. The wind may pick up or change direction. Bright stars and planets will be visible, depending on how cloudy the sky is. This total eclipse can only be observed in a narrow area. The path of totality for this eclipse is a 70-mile-wide arc across the United States from west to east.

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon only partially covers the sun. What will happen in Baltimore?You must be in the path of totality to witness a total solar eclipse. In Baltimore, the eclipse will only be able to be viewed partially, with an eclipse magnitude of 83%. This means that only 83% of the sun will be blocked by the moon. The eclipse will begin at 1:19 p.m. In the first phase, the moon will start moving over the sun. By 2:43 p.m., the eclipse will reach its maximum magnitude, covering more of the sun than at any other moment during the eclipse. By 4:01 p.m. the moon will have passed over the sun, and the eclipse will end.

Eclipse SafetyPeople who are in the path of totality may look at the sun for the very short time that the sun is totally obscured by the moon. If you are in Baltimore, however, and plan to view the partial eclipse, DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN unless wearing protective solar eclipse glasses or using handheld solar viewers. Looking directly at the sun causes serious eye damage or blindness! “…You don’t have to stare at the sun without looking away for it to be harmful—you may just be taking quick glances, but it’s still damaging to the eye,” stated an optometrist in The Washington Post (8/15/17)

While it is safe to be outdoors and exposed to the sun during the eclipse, you must wear the solar eclipse glasses to protect your eyes when looking at the sun and during all phases of the eclipse. Eclipse glasses have solar filters that are hundreds of thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses. “Even the tiniest sliver of a crescent sun peeking out from behind the moon emits enough light to scorch your eyes,” says Dr. B. Ralph Chou of Canada’s University of Waterloo, on Space.com (6/20/2017)

DO NOT wear solar eclipse glasses to view the eclipse through a camera, binoculars, or telescope. You must use a special-use solar filter, made specifically for optic devices, if you plan on watching the eclipse through a camera, binoculars, or telescope.

When using a cellphone camera to take pictures or video during the eclipse, there is a risk of damage to both your eyes and your cellphone. Review these dangers and tips in advance by visiting eclipse2017.nasa.gov.

Solar Eclipse Glasses Do’s and Don’ts:

Do:• Only use solar eclipse glasses that meet the interna-

tional ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Fraudulent vendors have been selling unsafe counterfeit glasses bearing the ISO logo and certification label. Visit the American Astronomical Society (AAS), eclipse.aas.org, for a list of reputable vendors and glasses.

• Check to ensure that solar eclipse glasses are not scratched or damaged before using them. If they are scratched or damaged, discard them.

• Read and follow all instructions that come with the solar eclipse glasses.  

• Always supervise children who are using solar eclipse glasses. If they are outdoors, they must wear the glasses at all times. Young children’s eyes are even more vulnerable since during the eclipse the sunlight will dim and it will hurt less to look

directly at the sun. Modify the eclipse glasses with elastic or tape around the back. Do a practice run putting the glasses on children so they will know what to expect.

• We highly recommend that camps keep young campers indoors and facing away from the sun since it will be impossible to provide the necessary and adequate supervision for each child’s safety!

• Solar eclipse glasses may be worn over eyeglasses.

• Cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses before looking up at the sun.

• After glancing at the sun, turn away before removing the solar eclipse glasses.

• We recommend disposing the solar eclipse glasses after this eclipse due to varying expiration dates.

Don’ts:• Do not use the solar eclipse glasses if the sun

becomes uncomfortably bright, out of focus, or hazy while you are wearing them.

• Do not remove the glasses while looking at the sun. 

• Do not use homemade filters or sunglasses.

• Do not use solar eclipse glasses with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes.

• Do not stare at the sun continuously, even with the solar eclipse glasses. Rather, take breaks to rest your eyes.

• If you do not have certified solar eclipse glasses, do not attempt to create your own viewing device. Visit eclipse.aas.org to learn how to safely view the eclipse with pinhole projectors or other pro-jection techniques. You must carefully follow all instructions to avoid damaging your eyes.

“Even the tiniest sliver of a crescent sun peeking out from behind the moon emits enough light to scorch your eyes.”

—Dr. B. Ralph Chou | Canada’s University of Waterloo

Driving Safety During the Eclipse:Try to avoid driving during the eclipse as there will be many distracted drivers. If you must drive during the eclipse, even locally, please review these tips:

Do’s:• Keep your headlights on.

• Keep your sun visor and cellphone face down.

• Be prepared for traffic jams, especially as the sun goes completely dark.

• Make sure you have a full tank of gas.

• Park in a safe area away from traffic to view the eclipse.

• Slow down and be careful of pedestrians when driving to an observation point.

• Pay special attention to distracted pedestrians who are walking in the street but looking up at the sky.

• If driving to an isolated observation point, don’t rely on your cellphone for directions as service may not be reliable. Make sure to print maps and directions to take with you.

• Be prepared for unpredictable weather.

• Keep an emergency road kit in the car, which includes food, water, and first aid supplies.

Don’ts:• Don’t stop on the shoulder of a highway or slow

down in the middle of the road.

• Don’t look at the sun while driving.

• Don’t wear solar eclipse glasses while driving.

• Don’t try to photograph or video the eclipse while driving.

ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses will be available as a fundraiser for Yeshivas Toras Chaim all day Friday, August 18, at Seven Mile Market and Shabsi’s Judaica.While supplies last. These glasses are not for resale.

For any questions or concerns, please contact Frank Storch at 410-340-1000 or chesedfund@gmail.com.

This guide is dedicated in loving memory of Harav Binyomin Moshe Dinovitz, ע’’ה, and Harry A. and Lillian Frid, ע’’ה.

Special thanks to AMF Creative, Mrs. Elaine Berkowitz, Seven Mile Market, Shabsi’s Judaica Center, Speedy Graphic, Rabbi Chanina Szendro, Mr. Jay Taffel, and Yeshivas Toras Chaim students.

The Chesed Fund Limited is dedicated in memory of Mordechai & Rebecca Kapiloff, ע’’ה, Dr. Bernard Kapiloff, ע’’ה, and Rabbi Norman & Louise Gerstenfeld, ע’’ה. Project Ezra of Greater Baltimore, Inc. is dedicated in memory of M. Leo Storch, ע’’ה.

ResourcesNASA (2017). How to view the 2017 solar eclipse safely. Retrieved from https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety

NASA (2017). Smartphone photography of the eclipse. Retrieved from https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/ smartphone-photography-eclipse

Colfield, C. (February 2, 2017). How to view a solar eclipse without damaging your eyes. Retrieved from https://www.space.com/35555-total-solar-eclipse-safety-tips.html

Townsend, J. (August 14, 2017). Solar eclipse gazing could prove treacherous on the roads. Retrieved from https://midatlantic.aaa.com/public-affairs/press-release/?Id=80040543-6a6a-451d-b0be-e82933253eeb

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only. You must practice vision safety at all times. The author of this guide and provider of the sunglasses and any related entities do not assume, and specifically disclaim, any and all liability with respect to any loss or damage to vision, life, or property caused by equipment provided or information included or omitted herein. ©2017 The Chesed Fund Ltd. and Project Ezra of Greater Baltimore, Inc.

Please share this critical guide with all of your family and friends to prevent serious

damage to their eyes or even blindness!