By Jordan Studer
On Saturday, July 29, Lowe-Volk Park will be hosting a Solar Eclipse Safety Program at 8 p.m. The evening will begin with a presentation given by Dan Everly, President of the Lowe-Volk Astronomy Club and Night Sky Coordinator for the Warren Rupp Observatory, explaining safety tips for the solar eclipse on Monday, August 21.
“We’re trying to encourage people to safely view the eclipse with solar glasses that will be passed out after the lecture. I currently have 1,600 solar glasses with access to a couple more thousand, so we’ve got plenty to go around,” Everly said.
Everly explained that the goal of the evening is to inform the public on why wearing the safety glasses are crucial to view the solar eclipse.
“It’s just very important that they use these glasses properly because harmful radiation from the sun can do permanent damage to your eye, so we’re encouraging them to visually inspect their glasses before they use them and if they’re damaged to destroy them and get another pair,” Everly said.
He continued to say that if young children are planning to view the eclipse, parents are encouraged to add an extra safety factor so that their faces are shaded the entire time. This precaution could help make children’s sensitive eyes even more protected.
When asking Everly what makes the safety glasses more protective than sunglasses, he explained that they are tinted so darkly that the only thing you can see is the sun. Due to the fact Everly is so passionate about astronomy, he found a way to buy the special glasses from the Astronomical League cheap enough to give them to the community for free.
Everly said one of the most critical things the community should know if they want to view the solar eclipse is that they must wear the safety glasses the entire time.
“Up in this region, the sun is only going to be 90% blocked, so you HAVE TO wear the glasses for the WHOLE event. There is not a safe period where you can take them off…up here it is CRITICAL that they keep their glasses on through the whole event,” Everly said.
Immediately following Everly’s safety presentation and the distribution of the solar eclipse safety glasses, the Lowe-Volk Astronomy Club will be hosting a Viewing the Night Sky Event. During the event, club members will share their knowledge with attendees and assist those interested in using the provided telescopes to view spectacular night sightings.
“We have two beautiful objects up. Jupiter’s up and you can see four moons. And Saturn’s up and the rings are gorgeous…You can see Saturn really nice at Lowe-Volk…it’s just a sight to behold,” Everly explained.
For other chances to view the night sky, the Warren Rupp Observatory, is out at Lowe Volk on the fourth and fifth Saturday of every month at around 8 p.m.
For more information call the Crawford Park District at 419-683-9000, or visit their website at www.crawfordparkdistrict.org