Here’s where to get free specialty glasses to watch the total eclipse in August
On Aug. 21, Americans will see the first total solar eclipse to cover parts of the contiguous United States since 1979.
But watching it with the naked eye isn’t safe.
Myrtle Beach will see almost a full eclipse and Georgetown County will see a total eclipse, according to a NASA map.
Looking at the sun directly with the naked eye is dangerous except during the brief totality of the eclipse, when the moon fully blocks out the sun, according to NASA.
The safest way to view the eclipse is with “eclipse glasses,” which use special solar filters. Ordinary sun glasses aren’t safe for looking directly at the sun, according to NASA.
That’s why one local hospital is giving away the special glasses for free.
Tidelands Health is offering free eclipse glasses to residents in Horry, Georgetown and Williamsburg counties. Glasses are limited to four per order.
The glasses will be mailed in early August, according to Tidelands’ website.
Click here to order the glasses.
Click here to find out more about the eclipse.
Christian Boschult: 843-626-0218, @TSN_Christian
This story was originally published June 27, 2017 at 4:54 PM with the headline "Here’s where to get free specialty glasses to watch the total eclipse in August."