A Red Full Moon: Can You Reuse Eclipse Glasses on August 28?
Listen to the story
On August 28, the full moon will turn red during a lunar eclipse. Many people are asking whether they can reuse old eclipse glasses to watch this event.
A lunar eclipse happens when Earth passes between the sun and the moon. Earth's shadow then covers the moon, giving it a reddish color. This effect is sometimes called a 'blood moon'.
People often keep eclipse glasses from previous solar eclipses. These glasses have very dark filters that protect the eyes from strong sunlight during a solar eclipse.
However, eclipse glasses are not necessary for watching a lunar eclipse. The moon's light during an eclipse is not dangerous, so it is completely safe to view it with the naked eye.
Solar eclipse glasses are designed to block harmful ultraviolet light from the sun. Without them, looking directly at the sun can seriously damage your eyes.
A lunar eclipse works differently. Since you are only viewing reflected sunlight from the moon at night, no special eye protection is required.
Astronomy fans are encouraged to simply step outside on August 28 and enjoy the red moon without any equipment. It should be visible to anyone with a clear night sky.
Vocabulary5 words
- lunar eclipse
- when Earth's shadow covers the moon and it may look red
- eclipse glasses
- very dark glasses made for safely looking at the sun
- filters
- materials that block certain kinds of light
- solar eclipse
- when the moon blocks the sun's light
- ultraviolet
- a strong kind of light that can hurt eyes and skin
Quiz
Answer key
1. Earth's shadow covering it 2. Because the moon's reflected light is not dangerous 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
On August 28, the full moon will turn _____ during a lunar eclipse.
A lunar eclipse happens when Earth passes between the sun and the _____.
Earth's _____ then covers the moon, giving it a reddish color.
People often keep eclipse _____ from previous solar eclipses.
These glasses have very dark _____ that protect the eyes from strong sunlight.
However, eclipse glasses are not necessary for watching a _____ eclipse.
Solar eclipse glasses are designed to block harmful _____ light from the sun.
Since you are only viewing reflected sunlight from the moon at _____, no special protection is required.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever watched a lunar or solar eclipse? What was it like?
- Why do you think people are curious about reusing eclipse glasses?
- Do you think special events like eclipses bring people together? Why or why not?
- Would you go outside at night just to watch a red moon?