Can the Sun be dangerous?

Have you ever stared at a bright light bulb only to have to turn away after a few seconds? The Sun, on the other hand, is nearly a million times brighter than a standard light bulb. This is why you may hurt your eyes: if you stare straight at the Sun, the inside of your eyes will burn badly and may never recover. You might permanently lose your sight. Scientists can only examine the Sun directly with the help of special tools designed to withstand the tremendous light.

The Sun also emits damaging ultraviolet (UV) light that can cause skin and eye damage. In fact, any tan is an indication of skin damage! A sunburn may sting for a while but harming your skin over time can lead to a variety of issues, including skin cancer. That is why, if you are going to be out in the sun for more than a few minutes, you should always use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. This is true even on overcast days; while not as bright as on sunny days, most of the dangerous UV radiation still passes through. It is important to note that having a tan offers minimal protection from skin damage, with an SPF of just approximately 2.

Use sunglasses that block out 100% of UV rays to help protect your eyes. When purchasing glasses, look for labels that state 100% UV Protection. People who do not safeguard their eyes while they are young are at danger of losing their sight as they age, including developing cataracts.