October 21, 2010

Remember, during Solar Week you can ask the scientists a question and they will answer on the bulletin board. Click on "Ask a Question" in the left-hand menu.

[Students - if you've come here on your own, please use the links in the gray navigation bar near the top of the page to visit: Let's Observe the Sun Safely, Viewing with Protection, Telescopes with Solar Filters, Pinhole Projectors, Related Projection Methods]

Teacher Information

Our closest star, the Sun, gives off different kinds of energy: heat, visible light and invisible light. One invisible light that comes to Earth is called ultraviolet light. It is this UV light that can cause sunburn and cause eye damage. However, we are lucky that the Earth's atmosphere protects us from the Sun's UV, but some of it gets through.

When done safely and carefully, looking at our Sun is fascinating. The sun is always changing, always offering new features for us to examine. It is our best opportunity to learn all about our nearest star.

REMEMBER -- Wear sunscreen and stay in the shade. Keep your sunglasses handy and NEVER look at the Sun directly! Make a safe Sun-Earth Connection when you are outdoors.

Watch our five-minute movie about Viewing the Sun Safely.

To continue, please use the links in the gray navigation bar near the top of the page: Let's Observe the Sun Safely, Viewing with Protection, Telescopes with Solar Filters, Pinhole Projectors, Related Projection Methods