Eclipse 2015 Public Awareness

Reading Dee's points on Facebook about the dangers around the eclipse next month.
And I'm struck by the lack of public information on safe viewing.

I'm wondering what role IFAS should have in this?

Is IFAS engaging with the media for example to highlight the dangers/safety aspect?

or is the famous Irish astronomer going to be on RTE selling tickets to a BYOS (bring your own scope) SUN-B-Q.

As the largest body representing astronomy on the island I think IFAS should be leading this.

Something is already being worked on, conversations with contacts are ongoing through various media channels, and an IFAS info sheet will be available soon. Considering we're 6 weeks away, there's good time ahead of us. Thanks for your concern, Dave. Safety messages are always promoted by each club on their own outreach events, so each will have their safety messages naturally covered on the morning.

Seanie.

Well said Dave..

I will personally be contacting my local radio station and papers to encourage them to do an article on the partial solar eclipse and the dangers of viewing this unprotected..

Cheers Roy
#ClearSkies

Seanie_Morris wrote: Something is already being worked on, conversations with contacts are ongoing through various media channels, and an IFAS info sheet will be available soon. Considering we're 6 weeks away, there's good time ahead of us. Thanks for your concern, Dave. Safety messages are always promoted by each club on their own outreach events, so each will have their safety messages naturally covered on the morning.

Seanie.

Solar viewing safety is a must, we've all come across disaster stories over the years at various eclipses, When that sheet is complete Seanie, is this something that can be passed on to IFAS reps.

Thanks

Dave_Lillis wrote: When that sheet is complete Seanie, is this something that can be passed on to IFAS reps.

It will, I'll be adding it as a free download of course for anyone, and it's part of an outreach article going to the usual media outlets.

That's great Seanie!
Shannonside Astronomy Club have already submitted press releases to limerick, Clare & Tipperary papers regarding the Eclipse to both highlight the dangers and also to contact the club if they wish to view it safely at our public viewing event in Lough Gur.
The Limerick Leader have contacted us and asked us to contribute an article for the City & County editions which will be run the week before.
Now Having a large quantity of eclipse shades to hand out to the public, it will be nice to mention in this.
We will also be doing up an advice page on the Shannonside Astronomy Club website as these kinds of events usually drive a lot of contact to the club site.
Public solar observing events need to handled with utter professionalism you get no second chances with the Sun.
Here's to a great eclipse!