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By Erin Smith

There is much excitement and speculation surrounding the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday. The last time the United States saw a total solar eclipse was in 1979. Bladen Community College is offering an Eclipse Viewing Event on Monday at 2 p.m. on the grassy field beside building 6 on the east side of campus.

Those attending the viewing party at BCC are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. BCC will provide special viewing glasses for the event. Bladen County residents will be able to see a partial solar eclipse while those who are closer to Charleston SC will see a total eclipse.

Looking directly into the eclipse without the proper eye protection is discouraged. Dr. Christopher Quinn, President of the American Optometric Association, told Newsweek magazine that eye damage from viewing a solar eclipse can occur. Dr. Quinn said if you look directly into the sun without the proper eye protection you can develop symptoms similar to a sunburn on the retina of the eye.

You can safely view the eclipse through a pair of ISO 12312-2 compliant solar filters. Approved vendors for these solar filters can be found by clicking here.

To safely view the eclipse, you should wear your solar filters during the partial eclipse whenever you look into the sun. As the eclipse nears totality, the sky will begin to darken and the temperature will drop. Once it is dark, you can safely remove your glasses. As soon as the sun begins to emerge, put your solar filters back on for the remainder of the eclipse.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol is asking motorists to use extreme caution during the event. If you have to travel, you are asked to allow plenty of time to arrive at your destinations roads will be crowded with those traveling to view the eclipse. The Highway Patrol offered the following driving safety tips:

Safety Tips Prior to and After the Eclipse:

*Arrive early to your chosen destination

*Expect traffic delays closer to the event’s date

*Be patient

*Plan alternate routes

*Monitor traffic reports on local media/radio broadcast

*Have food and water readily available

*Remove vehicle from roadway if experiencing mechanical problems

*If involved in a collision with no injuries, remove vehicle to the shoulder and wait for authorities

Safety Tips During the Eclipse:

*Do not stop on the roadway

*Refrain from parking on the shoulder or median portions of the roadway