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On August 21, 2017, millions of people across the United States will see a total eclipse of the Sun. South Carolina will be a significant destination for the eclipse because it will be the nearest spot within the path of totality for at least 100 million Americans in the Atlantic Seaboard and Florida.Cell phone service and smartphone Internet are expected to be unavailable inside the path of totality due to the large concentration of people. Cell phone companies will reinforce their network capacity for emergency responders. However, this will not increase capacity for commercial use. Visitors to South Carolina for the eclipse are encouraged to print paper versions of directions, lodging and restaurant reservations, and tickets to local eclipse events they plan to attend.Reputable Vendors of Solar Filters & Viewers, according to the American Astronomical Society and the National Science Foundation.

How To Watch The Solar Eclipse Without Hurting Your Eyes

Warby Parker employee Karolyna Landin poses with a pair of solar eclipse glasses that the eyeglass store is giving out for free on Aug. 11, 2017 in New York City. To view the upcoming total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, eye protection is essential. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Warby Parker employee Karolyna Landin poses with a pair of solar eclipse glasses that the eyeglass store is giving out for free on Aug. 11, 2017 in New York City. To view the upcoming total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, eye protection is essential. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Doctors are warning spectators not to look directly at the sun without protection during Monday’s eclipse. It can cause permanent damage like solar retinopathy or blindness, especially for people outside the path of totality.

Here & Now‘s Robin Young talks with Dr. Nhung H. Brandenburg, president of the Georgia Optometric Association, about how to view the eclipse safely.

  • More information on the American Astronomical Association’s full list of verified solar eclipse protection
  • How to make a pinhole projector for eclipse viewing
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