Many primary schools in Scotland have refused to allow their students to go outdoors during Friday’s solar eclipse, which occurs on March th. This is an error by Professor John Brown of Glasgow University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. He’s also the Astronomer Royal Professor of Scotland. Professor Brown claims that headteachers who refuse to let their students experience this rare event are depriving them the opportunity of a lifetime. In our litigious society today, many schools decided to keep their pupils indoors for safety reasons during the eclipse. The rare opportunity to see the sun rise in Scotland will not be available for thousands of primary school students. This is something that millions around the globe have had the pleasure of experiencing over the past ten years. Professor Brown called their fears and measures “ridiculous” and said they would be missing out on a rare experience. This is not a total eclipse. This is what you should remember when reviewing the advice of two experts: NASA, the US space agency has this advice: Only the brief moments or minutes during a total eclipse can the Sun be seen safely with the naked eyes. It is not safe to view partial eclipses or annular total eclipses without special protections. According to the British Astronomical Association, “Never view the Sun with sunglasses, single or multiple, of any kind, including filters of colour or black and white photographic film or any combination thereof, cross polarisers, gelatin filters or CDs. They are unsafe.” aluminised mylar filters, or black polymer filters, identified as suitable for direct viewing of the Sun, bearing the CE mark and a statement that it conforms to European Community Directive 89/686/EEC, or use a welder’s glass rated at No. 14 and higher. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully. A pinhole projector (pinhole cam) can view a solar eclipse safely, as long as it is not viewed directly with your naked eyes. The devastating news for children in New Machar, Aberdeenshire was that plans to view the rare cosmic phenomenon were cancelled due to safety concerns. According to multiple sources, the school’s headteacher, Paul Rooke, had written a letter to parents expressing their shock. Paul Rooke was the headteacher at New Machar Primary School. He wrote a letter last week to inform parents that the school would no longer purchase the glasses for the solar eclipse and will not be viewing it as a school. After careful consideration, along with guidance from Aberdeenshire Council Health and Safety colleagues, this decision was made. “Clearly, the school won’t take risks about pupil safety and well-being. “I do hope that you will understand my decision.” Mr. Rooke stated that an internet report indicated special eclipse glasses might be too large for children in primary schools. This makes them not safe. The parents of schoolchildren were dissatisfied. The Mail quotes Euan Pittendreigh as a parent who stated that “it just seems like too much political correctness.” It’s important for kids safety. However, if my children’s glasses were correct, I would let them see the eclipse.” Derek Mathers, another parent said that “it’s a shame.” My daughter Kirsty had been looking forward to the eclipse. But the school must put safety first.” Maria Walker, Director of Education at Aberdeenshire Council said, “It’s a shame.” After trying to see the Sun through a mirror, Isaac Newton became blind for three days. After the incident, Newton experienced afterimages that lasted for several months. It is not known how common eye damage following a solar eclipse. One clinic in Leicester (UK) reported 45 patients appearing after the 1999 eclipse. 40 of the patients had some type of symptoms or damage, and five of those with visible retina changes were found to be affected. 20 of the Leicester clinic’s patients reported eye pain. Another 20 had vision issues. Twelve patients experienced complete recovery in seven months. Four others continued to see ghosts of damage to their vision field. Live Science quoted from The Lancet a study that reported more eye injuries before the media warned not to view the sun directly with the naked eyes.
