On August 21, Nashville residents will be treated to one of nature’s grandest spectacles: a total solar eclipse. Nashville and other cities in Middle Tennessee are in the path of totality for the eclipse, which means they’ll see the moon pass directly in front of the sun for anywhere from two to three minutes, causing total darkness.
To safely view the eclipse, it’s important to have proper eye protection. However, even the darkest and most protective sunglasses aren’t enough to prevent serious eye damage from occurring when viewing the eclipse. Special eclipses glasses are necessary, but they should meet the following criteria for maximum protection:
- ISO 12312-2-certified – While glasses that pass this certification are safe for eclipse viewing, some manufacturers are faking the certification. Check the American Astronomical Society’s website for a list of approved glasses and manufacturers.
- Free from damage – Glasses with lenses that are scratched, torn, ripped, or separated from their frames may be rendered ineffective at protecting your eyes from damage when viewing the eclipse. Discard any damaged glasses and replace them before looking at the sun during the eclipse.
The total solar eclipse over Tennessee is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it’s unfortunate that some manufacturers are taking advantage of it by creating cheap products that put innocent people at risk.
If you or someone you love was hurt by an unsafe or dangerous product, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. The Nashville defective product lawyers at Ponce Law are here to discuss your options. Our consultations are free, and we’re available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.