Protect Your Eyes During the Solar Eclipse

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Many people are eagerly awaiting the rare total solar eclipse that will take place on April 8, when the moon will completely block the sun. Starting around 2 pm and lasting for about one hour, the daytime skies of northern Vermont and New Hampshire will slowly darken.

At Dartmouth Health, we want to make sure you keep your eyes safe while you observe the magic of the eclipse. 

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will darken the daytime skies of both Northern Vermont and Northern New Hampshire. The partial eclipse should begin sometime after 2 pm in both states, depending on location. A little more than an hour later, the full eclipse will set in and last for approximately three minutes.

"It is an exciting and rare event," says Dartmouth Health ophthalmologist, Michael Zegans, MD, "but observers need to educate themselves about how to protect their eyes."

Never stare directly at the sun

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks any part of the sun from view. The "totality" phase—or the full solar eclipse—means the moon is entirely blocking the sun. This year, the full solar eclipse can be observed from areas of Northern Vermont and Northern New Hampshire, as well as from other select locations in the United States. 

To find the exact path of the eclipse, you can go to Xavier Jubier's Google Map. Note that times displayed in the map are in UT (Universal Time), which is five hours ahead of EST (Eastern Standard Time). 

The event should be a breathtaking sight, but no matter where you are, ophthalmologists warn that it is never safe to stare directly at the sun. "Prolonged sun gazing can result in permanent retinal injury," says Zegans. 

What is safe

Eclipse glasses or a solar filter must be used when viewing the eclipse. Zegans recommends following an expert protocol for viewing, such as the one posted on the American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Their recommendations include:

  • Carefully look at your solar filter or eclipse glasses before using them. If you see any scratches or damage, do not use them.
  • Always read and follow all directions that come with the solar filter or eclipse glasses. Help children to be sure they use handheld solar viewers and eclipse glasses correctly.
  • Before looking up at the bright sun, stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove your glasses or viewer—do not remove them while looking at the sun.

Some experts suggest that you can look at the sun without a solar viewer, but only during the total eclipse, when the moon completely covers the sun. As soon as the sun even partially appears, immediately return to using your solar viewer. The American Academy of Ophthalmology also warns to never look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other device, even if you are wearing eclipse glasses or holding a solar viewer at the same time. The intense solar rays coming through these devices will damage your eyes.

Where to go for protective eyewear

The American Astronomical Society contains information on eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. It provides this link where you can purchase protective eyewear.  

Concludes Zegans: "It is very important to protect your eyes. We cannot stress that enough. But if you take the correct precautions, you, too, can enjoy this once-in-a-generation event."

For additional information on the eclipse in New Hampshire or Vermont, go to the New Hampshire Live Free website's NH Total Solar Eclipse 2024 or Vermont.gov's page.

At Dartmouth Health, we want to make sure you keep your eyes safe while you observe the magic of the eclipse. Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.

 





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Fish and Wildlife Department: Take Down Birdfeeders, Secure Food from Bears

MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has begun to receive reports of bears coming out of their dens and is urging Vermonters to remove their birdfeeders and take additional steps now to prevent conflicts with bears over the spring and summer.
 
"Do not wait to take down your birdfeeders and bearproof your yard until a bear comes to visit," said Jaclyn Comeau, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's Bear Biologist.  "You need to act now to head off bear conflicts over the spring and summer, even if you have never had a bear visit your property before."
 
Bear incidents have been on the rise over the past several years.  Officials believe this trend is a result of Vermont's healthy black bear population learning to associate people and food over multiple generations.  Even with a steady increase in the number bears harvested by hunters in recent years—including a record harvest in 2024—Vermont's bear population has been stable over the past two decades and shows signs of growth over the past five years.
 
Shorter winters also mean that bears are emerging from their dens earlier in the spring.  In recent years bear activity has begun in mid-March.  This is roughly two weeks earlier than what is traditionally considered the start of "bear-aware season" in northern New England.
 
"Preventing bears from having access to human-related foods is key to successful coexistence with these long-lived and intelligent animals," said Comeau. "Bears can be found in every corner of Vermont other than the Champlain islands.  Put bluntly, most Vermonters live in bear country."
 
The department asks Vermonters to take the following proactive steps for coexisting with bears: 
 
  • Take down birdfeeders between mid-March and December.
  • Store garbage in bear-resistant containers or structures, trash cans alone are not enough.  
  • Follow the steps on our web page for composting in bear country. 
  • Use electric fences to keep chickens and honeybees safe. 
  • Request a bear-resistant dumpster from your waste hauler. 
  • Feed your pets indoors. 
  • Never feed bears, it is illegal.
 
"Deep snow may delay some bears from emerging from winter dens until April, but mid-March is the time for Vermonters to prepare for the early risers by taking down our birdfeeders, making sure garbage is secure, and protecting backyard chickens and bees with an electric fence," said Comeau.  "This will help teach bears that our yards and neighborhoods are not good places to search for food, but it will only work if everyone does their part."  Taking these precautions will also help reduce the chance of attracting other wildlife species such as raccoons, skunks and rodents.
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