Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 7, 1 Iulai 1991 — Viewing July 11 eclipse safely [ARTICLE]

Viewing July 11 eclipse safely

On July 11, at 7:28 a.m. Hawai'i will witness"the greatest show above the earth." A total solar eclipse will be visible from the Big Island and parts of Maui for four minutes. The other islands will see a partial eclipse from 92 to 99 percent. The Department of Health is working to get the message of safety to the public. John C. Lewin, M.D., Director of Health, says, "Looking at the eclipse without proper eye viewing equipment is extremely dangerous. We are very concerned about the general public and visitors on all islands. People cannot look at the sun without causing severe damage to their eyes." The department will be distributing flyers with safety messages to tourists and residents. The flyers have been translated into 11 languages to reach the non-English speaking population. The naked eye, beer bottles, exposed film, smoked glass, cameras, or many pairs of sunglasses stuck together are not safe viewing devices and ean cause irreparable damage. The

easiest and safest way to view the event is through "sun peeps" or on television. Sun peeps are available at many stores, Gas Express outlets, and at Bishop Museum for under $2. Bishop Museum has been educating the public about the solar eclipse and proper viewing methods. Employees have been speaking to schools, organizations, civic groups, hotel workers, and media representatives, have published a book, and are holding a science fair on the topic. KHON-TV, Dan Cooke of KITV, Bishop Museum, with assistance from the Department of Health, have created and distributed a video on safety. The video was available at no cost at all Blockbuster Video Outlets as of June 15, and will be shown on most visitor cable networks. For more eclipse or health-related information, eall the Department of Health at 735-8583, or the Bishop Museum at 847-3511.