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Solar eclipse warning

The College of Optometrists has issued a warning to the public on the dangers of viewing this summer's solar eclipse. The eclipse will be seen across Britain on the morning of August 11. The College has warned against using:

Visors: these are unsafe because stray radiation may reach the eye. Solar filters: some claims that tests of these films of aluminised plastic have shown them to be safe with binoculars, but no filter is safe, according to the College, and the smallest pinhole or scratch will allow damaging radiation through. Sun caps: fitted over eyepieces of binoculars and telescopes. They are far from safe, the College has stated as they let dangerous radiation through, and could crack with heat. The College has also warned against looking through smoked glass, exposed photographic film and sunglasses.

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