Since the dawn of mankind, humans have been looking up to the heavens with an unwavering curiosity. While science has helped us understand our solar system – and our place in that solar system – there is still so much for us to learn. That’s why, to this day, we can’t help but seek out answers to those age-old questions through thoughtful study and careful exploration – especially when it comes to questions about the Sun!
But did you know that you don’t have to wait for a solar eclipse to study the Sun? That’s right! You can use your solar viewing glasses to study and observe the Sun each and every day, and a wealth of knowledge to be discovered. There are many reasons to view the Sun that don’t involve a solar eclipse, so let’s take a look at a few of them below.
1. Understand Our Climate
As our climate here on Earth continues to change, it’s important to gain a better understanding of the relationship between the Sun and its impact on our climate. For example, did you know that millions of years ago, the Sun was much dimmer than it appears today? And yet, the Earth was not frozen; the oceans were still liquid water! What does that tell us about the connection between the energy produced by the Sun and the atmosphere of the Earth?
Astronomers tell us that, over the course of millions of years, the light produced by the Sun has actually changed. While that light variation may not be visible to the naked eye, it is nevertheless interesting to use your solar viewing glasses to observe the Sun on a semi-regular basis and consider the quality of its light.
2. Learn About Solar Winds & Flares
You probably didn’t realize it, but the Sun gives off a flow of gases that blow over the Earth at speeds of a million miles per hour! No, it’s not that breeze you’re seeing through the trees; this is what’s known as ‘solar wind’, and it can have an impact on certain aspects of life here on Earth.
The normal flow of solar wind over the Earth doesn’t have much of an impact. However, on occasion, a sudden burst of excess energy called a solar flare can release additional radiation in the form of x-rays and ultraviolet light, and that radiation can cause our upper atmosphere to heat up and even cause disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field!
So, how does this affect us humans? The warming caused by the excess radiation and those disturbances in magnetic fields can disrupt – and sometimes damage – satellites in orbit. Because these satellites are critical for telecommunications, weather tracking, and national security, a disruption from solar flares could cause some pretty big problems.
Another concern related to solar flares is the impact on our electrical system. In the past, some larger solar flares have caused surges in power grids, knocking out some power lines and equipment for large areas across the Earth.
The more we can predict solar flares by studying the behavior of the Sun and its solar wind, the easier it will be to make necessary adjustments and protect our satellites and our electrical grids from damage and disruption.
3. Study the Stars
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that the Sun is a star! In fact, it’s the only star that’s close enough for us to see the details of its surface (the next closest star system, Alpha Centauri, is 4.37 light-years away from the Sun!). That’s important to unlocking mysteries about other solar bodies in our galaxy and, indeed, across the universe.
Because the Sun is so close, we can observe some amazing things about its structure and its behavior. For example, we know that the surface of the sun has spots (known as ‘sun spots’) and that it is a nearly perfect spherical shape! Over time, through careful observation, we’ve learned that the Sun is approximately 4.6 billion years old, that the energy given off by the Sun is produced through nuclear fusion, and that the Sun accounts for 99.86% of all mass in our solar system.
As you begin your journey studying the Sun with your solar viewing glasses and learning more about stars, what new discoveries will you make?
4. Tap Into Your Inner Photographer
The Sun is an endlessly fascinating subject for photographers. The gradual changes in the appearance of its surface, the position of the Earth at any given moment, and the environment in which you’re taking the photos create an opportunity to capture a unique photograph each and every time.
In order to photograph the Sun safely and effectively, you need to use solar filters on the lens of your telescope or camera. We offer solar filters to fit various size photographic lenses that offer the level of protection you need while still providing a crystal clear view of the Sun.
Choose the Right Sun Viewing Glasses
At Rainbow Symphony, we believe in providing you with the highest quality educational tools you need to pursue your passion for learning.
We offer a wide range of solar viewing glasses so you can choose the pair that best suits your needs. All of our solar glasses are CE certified and compliant with the standard for ISO 12312-2:2015.
If you plan to observe the Sun with some frequency, you’ll want a durable pair of sun viewing glasses like our wrap-around plastic eclipse glasses or plastic eclipse shades. Our plastic clip-on shades are ideal for anyone who wears prescription glasses, and our selection of paper eclipse glasses are a great low-cost alternative for anyone buying in bulk.
Place Your Order Today
Our company was founded by dedicated eclipse chasers on a mission to share the wonders of nature with the rest of the world. If you can’t wait for the next solar eclipse to indulge your planetary passion, we understand! That’s why we offer a complete line of solar viewing glasses, filters, and other tools to help you pursue your hobby. Place your order today… and start studying the Sun tomorrow!
If you have any questions about our products, don’t hesitate to contact us by phone at 818-708-8400, or by email at rainbowsymphony@rainbowsymphony.com
