Solar eclipse safety tips for you and your family

Solar eclipse safety for kids

We are just days away from the total solar eclipse, and while you've probably heard the health warnings by now, getting adults to listen is one thing but it's a whole other battle with kids. FOX 5 NY's Jessica Formoso has the story.

NEW YORK - In just a few days the sun and the moon will be perfectly aligned, and we will get to experience a total solar eclipse.

"Here in the city, we are going to get partial coverage, it's going to be up to 90%," said Genevieve Ward-Wernet, from the New York Hall of Science. "The next one in this area is around 2079, so when we say it's ‘once-in-a-generation,’ we really mean it."

With several school closures and early dismissals throughout the tri-state area on Monday, our little ones will want to partake in this once-in-a-generation event as well.

There will be events held all across the region to mark the eclipse, including at the Hall of Science in Queens, which will be hosting an eclipse watch party on Monday.

DIY Eclipse Viewer: Make a Pinhole projector

The New York Hall of Science's Genevieve Ward-Wernet guides us through how to create your own pinhole projector for the upcoming total solar eclipse. Easy, fun and educational, a pinhole projector allows families, educators, and anyone else to safely experience the upcoming celestial phenomenon.

Kids will be able to do arts and crafts and will be able to watch the solar eclipse.

"We have projects that you can make here, that can help make the concept of the eclipse a little more clear, a little more concrete, so they can visualize what is happening, and we want to make it as much fun for the kids as possible," Ward-Wernet said.

As exciting as the eclipse will be, that doesn't mean safety should be a second thought. Adults and children looking to view the celestial event are strongly recommended to wear protective eyewear, as light coming of the sun can burn the retina and lead to permanent vision problems.

Anyone looking to watch the eclipse is urged to get approved eclipse-viewing glasses or to use techniques like pinhole projectors.

The eclipse watch party at the New York Hall of Science is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. If you have a ticket, you will get a pair of eclipse glasses.