08-21-2017, 12:47 PM
(08-21-2017, 08:48 AM)Coke6pk Wrote:(08-20-2017, 09:02 PM)Canard Wrote: It goes without saying, but since nobody's said it yet, you're not supposed to look directly at it at all, if you don't have special glasses.
Now I'm not trying to play devils advocate, but since I'm not a doctor, just some clarification....
I have looked at the sun in my life, but I don't think I have ever stared at the sun. If someone were to take cursory glances at the eclipse, I'd assume this was safe. [Normally there is nothing compelling to watch in order to stare, the eclipse being an exception].
Am I right, or is the sunlight peeking out from behind the sun more lethal than normal sunlight?
Coke
EDIT : As I typed I see ViewFromThe42 explained the difference. Thanks!
Non-expert here. I think part of the issue is that it is easy to look at the eclipsed sun, whereas it is quite uncomfortable to look at the normal sun. If you forced yourself to stare at the normal sun you would do severe damage to your eyes, although a quick glance won’t do much if anything. But near totality, it’s no problem to stare at the sun — meanwhile your eyes are getting damaged.
I’m not sure how important this part is, but remember too that there are invisible light frequencies (UV) which I understand cause the worst damage. They aren’t necessarily affected exactly the same as the visible frequencies.