7 most ridiculous solar eclipse questions that experts actually answered

Please enjoy these questions you thought no one would ask about the solar eclipse, yet actually have been answered by scientists, spokespeople and random experts.

1. Since the moon is blocking part of it, is it safe to look directly at the sun during the eclipse?

Let’s put it this way: If a car is only going 25 mph, is it OK to drive it off a cliff? Even if just 1 percent of the sun is showing, serious eye damage will occur if you look at it. Don't do it without proper eyewear.

2. How can I get solar-eclipse glasses without paying the outrageous last-minute prices being charged on Amazon, eBay and other sites?

What, you don’t have a time machine to go back two months when cardboard glasses were $2? That’s a shame. Various eclipse parties in the Phoenix area and around the state will have glasses. Otherwise, go to a park and look for people staring at the sun. Politely ask, “Can I get a hit off those sweet, ISO-compliant shades?” Sharing is caring.

3. Does my dog need solar eclipse glasses?

Does your dog habitually look at the sun? If so, then she won’t need glasses because she is already severely vision impaired. Canines instinctively avoid behavior resulting in permanent retinal damage. Your dog will not require solar eclipse glasses except to wear for the cutesy photos you’ll post on social media.

4. Can I take an eclipse photo with my smartphone?

Of course you can. But should you? NASA recommends against it, largely because it doesn’t want you looking at the sun while framing what’s going to be a blurry, nonsensical photo. Thanks to a small lens and built-in filters, such a photo probably won’t hurt your camera. But the very meh quality of it will hurt your Instagram cred.

5. I’ll be on the road when the moon slips between Earth and the sun. What’s the best way view the eclipse when driving?

AAA Arizona is so concerned about eclipse-watching motorists that it put out a release with viewing do's and don’ts. The don’ts are particularly important. Don’t, for example, photograph or record the eclipse while driving. Don’t wear solar-safe glasses behind the wheel as they are 1,000 times darker than sunglasses, allowing you to safely see the sun and unsafely see nothing else. You may think these warnings go without saying, but AAA Arizona knows drivers.

6. Will we experience power outages when the moon partially blocks the sun?

Absolutely, if a driver wearing solar-safe glasses while taking a photo of the eclipse plows into a power pole. For all those who have thoughtfully considered this question, like the TV reporter who sought answers from the power company, consider this: Each day we experience several hours of sunless exposure, also known as "nighttime." 

7. How does the eclipse affect human behavior?

Other than the millions of selfies posted by people wearing solar-safe glasses, it doesn’t.

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