8-17-2017

August 2017

Welding Glass to View the Eclipse? Think Again!

Fellow Skywatchers:

Are you planning on viewing the partial eclipse on Monday? While we won't see a total eclipse in Houston, we will get an impressive 70% coverage as the moon crosses in front of the sun and casts a shadow on the earth. 

Most welding glass is not dark enough to safely look at the sun! The American Astronomical Society recommends a minimum of shade 12 if you are using welding glass as eye protection against the sun. Most helmets are shade 10 out of the box - using one of these will damage your eyes!

You can easily check the shade of your glass by taking it out of the frame. There should be letters and numbers etched into the top of the glass. Z87 is the ANSI standard for welding glass and the number following W (W09, W12, etc.) is the shade. 

How can you view the eclipse safely?

Your best bet is to grab a pair of solar viewing glasses. The American Astronomy Society has a list of reputable vendors that are selling eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for handheld solar viewers. Typically these look like 3D glasses with very dark film. 

You can share the moment with other Houstonians at one of the many viewing events at public parks, libraries and museums around the city. Many of these events will have solar viewing glasses available. 

Stuck in the office? NASA is live streaming coverage of the event from across the country from 11am - 3pm. 

Be Safe, 

Juan M. Martinez
Vice President - Sales
866-991-7600
Juan@SteelSupplyInc.com