Total Solar Eclipse 2017

Total Solar Eclipse 2017
Monday, 21 Aug 2017
The Simpsons do an...OK...job with eclipse viewing

In 2009, during season 20 (episode 13), the FOX blockbuster TV show "The Simpsons" featured a scene where everyone is watching a total eclipse; Marge looks at the eclipse past the point of safety, and her eyes basically fry.

Is this for real?

Whatever you do, please do not consider that "The Simpsons" (no matter if you love the show as much as we do!) is a definitive source of scientific instruction regarding eclipse viewing!

Here is the scoop:
In the scene portrayed in episode 13 of season 20, we see excellent graphics, as though the people animating the scene had actually seen a total eclipse before. However, we also see the entire Simpsons clan (except Marge) viewing the TOTAL phase of the eclipse with projection boxes. It is very true that you should not look at the eclipse while it is not total, but IF YOU USE PROJECTION to view the eclipse during the TOTAL phase, you will not see anything! All that is portrayed on the screen is the barest of inner corona, and that is not even likely to be visible by using projection.
DURING TOTALITY ONLY, it is perfectly safe to look at the eclipsed sun directly, with NO form of protection.
Now, of course, there comes a time when totality comes to an end, and you MUST resume using filters to look at the sun after totality. Marge is perfectly correct that she "cannot miss out" on the experience of seeing totality, and she does view the totally eclipsed sun in all its glory. But then the diamond ring appears, the sun's photoshpere becomes visible again, and she continues to stare. That is probably not a good idea, as staring at the sun AFTER totality is not good for your eyes. Will they burn up as fast as hers did? Probably not. But should you look at the sun after the diamond ring of 3rd contact? No.
The upshot of all this is, USE FILTERS BEFORE AND AFTER TOTALITY, but LOOK RIGHT AT THE SUN WHEN IT IS TOTALLY ECLIPSED. Of course, to do this, you must be in a location where the sun will be totally eclipsed. If you aren't, then you must always use filters. But don't use projection during totality! And don't worry about making a mistake and continuing to stare after totality - you will know when the eclipse is ending! And once you see the diamond ring of 3rd contact, the filters go back on.

You will need filters, of course, and eclipse2017.org will have them for sale at cost. And you'll need to be in the path as well. Please go here to find a place!