Why is looking directly at a solar eclipse considered far more dangerous than looking at the sun on a normal day?
In: Physics
It’s not that it’s more dangerous, it’s that it’s more likely that people will do it.
Whether full or partially (even fully) eclipsed, the sun is not something to look at with the naked eye. The intense light causes a condition called *photic retinopathy,* which is a technical way of saying “retinal burn.” Any sufficiently intense UV source can cause a case severe enough to leave lasting effects. Arc welders, the Sun, sterilization lamps, and more can cause this damage, as can the coherent light of a laser beam.
There are three problems that lead to people staring at the Sun when an eclipse is going on.
1. The visible light of the Sun is diminished, so it doesn’t seem enough to cause harm, but it most definitely is.
2. The retina (the light-sensitive part of your eye responsible for your ability to see) has no ability to sense pain. So, unless a light source is bright enough to trigger a reflex reaction, the only thing stopping you from damaging your eyes is knowing that you would be.
3. Unlike at any other time, there’s actually something to see with the Sun during an eclipse. On a normal day, it’s just that insanely bright thing in the sky. During an eclipse, there’s something cool to see, so people want to look.
As a result, since it’s understood a lot of people will want to take a look at the eclipse, a lot of warnings are issued about looking at the Sun with the naked eye.
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