The Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory at Land Between the Lakes is teaming up with the West Kentucky Amateur Astronomers for ‘National Astronomy Day’ Saturday to offer solar viewing and discuss this summer’s total solar eclipse.
The far west Kentucky region is considered the best place in the country to view the rare eclipse on August 21. WKAA representatives will discuss solar eclipse eye safety and hand out free solar glasses. WKAA Outreach Coordinator Jim Phfistner said there is a big difference between sunglasses and solar glasses.
“Regular sunglasses are not strong enough to block out the harmful ultraviolet light whereas solar viewing glasses are made of a mylar material that’s multi-layered to block out a 100% of the harmful effects of ultraviolet light,” Phfistner said.
The eclipse can cause severe eye damage or blindness without glasses and special lenses over telescopes, binoculars and cameras. The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
