Was the reference in your editorial (Herald, July 19) to eclipse viewing using a colander a joke?
Though you did not actually endorse it, it seems irresponsible to print something that folks could take as a recommendation. Even though you are trying to spark creative ideas, you should have printed in the same paragraph how dangerous direct viewing is.
Or did you not even fact check to become informed of the dangers? NASA (eclipse2017.nasa.gov) has much to say about safely viewing the eclipse.
“Eclipse viewing glasses and handheld solar viewers should meet all the following criteria:
Have certification information with a designated ISO 12312-2 international standard Have the manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere on the product (Should) Not be used if they are older than three years, or have scratched or wrinkled lenses (Do) Not use homemade filters or be substituted for ordinary sunglasses – not even very dark ones – because they are not safe for looking directly at the Sun.” NASA also notes that “Our partner, the American Astronomical Society, has verified that these five manufacturers are making eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products:
American Paper Optics Baader Planetarium (AstroSolar Silver/Gold film only) Rainbow SymphonyThousand Oaks OpticalTSE 17.”Kay Zillich
Durango
