On September the 1st, the moon will cross the face of the Sun, so an eclipse will cross Africa. This event will be an opportunity to have a “natural” science lesson, especially that most of the time, that region lacks science resources. However, it is quite hard to obtain eclipse glasses, so that children safely view the sun.
Astronomers without Borders (AWB) will provide safe solar viewing glasses to students across the continent in support of STEM education efforts through the support of donors.
In a similar campaign for the African eclipse in 2013, AWB sent 13,700 glasses to classrooms throughout Africa. This time, with more time and resources, they plan to provide eclipse glasses for 37,000 students with the hope of adding up to 100 000!
Seen as an annular eclipse in a narrow band, and as a partial eclipse elsewhere, the majority of Africa’s 1.1 billion inhabitants will have the opportunity to view this celestial event.
For each $1 you donate, one student in a classroom in Africa will receive a pair of eclipse glasses to safely view the eclipse. This simple experience can ignite a passion for science in a child who might otherwise never be exposed to such an exciting natural phenomenon.
AWB is identifying schools in many countries in Africa. Distribution networks are verified to guarantee delivery to local schools. Every pair of donated eclipse glasses will reach a student for use during the eclipse.
However, the numbers of glasses needed for schools that have been verified are given, where available. More distribution points are being organized, and schools identified, and they will be added to this list as they are verified.
- Rwanda (2000)
- Ghana (4000)
- São Tomé and Príncipe (1000)
- Tanzania (24,000)
- Gabon (1000)
- Nigeria
- Uganda
- Zambia (450)
NASA.
Eclipse Glasses
- Solar eclipse glasses filter out all the harmful ultraviolet and infrared light and all of the intense visible light, to allow you to view the eclipse safely
- NASA recommends welder’s glasses rated 14 or higher. These can be found at your local welding supply store. Keep in mind that welder glass grading may be different in different countries
According to NASA, you should NEVER USE the following materials to view a solar eclipse:
- Color film
- Medical X-ray film with images on them
- Smoked glass
- Any kind of sunglasses
- CDs or computer floppy disks
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