Eclipse Safety

 

Safe Viewing

Looking directly at the Sun is unsafe except during the brief total phase of a solar eclipse (“totality”), when the Moon entirely blocks the Sun’s bright face, which will happen only within the narrow path of totality. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun is through special purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the Sun.

To date, five manufacturers have certified that their eclipse glasses and hand-held solar viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products: American Paper Optics, Baader Planetarium (AstroSolar Silver/Gold film only), Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17. Certified eclipse glasses are available at all park visitor centers and park viewing areas, while supplies last.

• Always inspect your eclipse glasses before use; if scratched or damaged, discard them. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter. Always supervise children using eclipse glasses.
• Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses before looking up at the bright Sun. After glancing at the Sun, turn away and remove your eclipse glasses — do not remove them while looking at the Sun.
• Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device. Similarly, do not look at the Sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury. Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device.
• When totality occurs, remove your eclipse glasses only when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality. Then, as soon as the bright Sun begins to reappear, replace your eclipse glasses to glance at the remaining partial phases.

An alternative method for safe viewing of the partially eclipsed Sun is pinhole projection. For example, cross the outstretched, slightly open fingers of one hand over the outstretched, slightly open fingers of the other. With your back to the Sun, look at your hands’ shadow on the ground. The little spaces between your fingers will project a grid of small images on the ground, showing the Sun as a crescent during the partial phases of the eclipse.

A solar eclipse is one of nature’s grandest spectacles. By following these simple rules, you can safely enjoy the view and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.

These guidelines do not constitute medical advice. Visitors with questions should contact a qualified eye-care professional. Information sourced from AAS, NASA, and partners. More information: eclipse.aas.org or eclipse2017.nasa.gov

Emergencies and Communication

For emergencies dial or text 911.

Please note, the park anticipates very high visitation on the day of the eclipse, as well as the days leading to and after the eclipse. All emergency requests will be prioritized and responded to as quickly as feasible.

Due to the volume of users during the eclipse, cell phone coverage and internet service may not work.

Park information will be shared at visitor centers and entrance stations, as well as the park’s website, Facebook and Twitter accounts at GrandTetonNPS, park’s mobile app NPS Grand Teton , park eclipse info line at 307 739-3566, and road info line at 307-739-3682. Additional community information, including Bridger-Teton National Forest information, can be found at tetoneclipse.com.

The park plans to have additional law enforcement and emergency services personnel to manage the event. Additionally, all park staff working that day, and not essential to another operation, will be employed to help manage the event.

 

Wildlife

Let wildlife thrive undisturbed. If your actions cause an animal to flee, you are too close. It is illegal to feed any wildlife—birds, ground squirrels, bears, or foxes. If fed, any animal may become unhealthy, bite you, and expose you to rabies.

Always maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other wildlife.