Looking at the Sun, even during a partial eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage or blindness. This includes looking through sunglasses, camera viewfinders, telescopes, or binoculars without proper solar filters.
Remember: The only time it's safe to look at the Sun without protection is during the brief period of total eclipse, when the Moon completely covers the Sun's bright disk.
Eclipse glasses are the most common and accessible way to safely view the eclipse. They must meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
Handheld solar viewers are another safe option. They work similarly to eclipse glasses but are held up to your eyes.
If using optical equipment, you must use proper solar filters designed specifically for your device. Never use eclipse glasses with telescopes or binoculars.
Create a simple pinhole projector using cardboard to project the Sun's image onto a surface. This is completely safe and doesn't require special equipment.
How to make: Cut a small hole in a piece of cardboard and hold it over a white surface to project the Sun's image.
Use a kitchen colander to create multiple pinhole projections. The holes will create multiple crescent images of the Sun.
How to use: Hold the colander over a white surface and watch the multiple crescent shadows.
Look at the shadows cast by trees during the eclipse. The gaps between leaves act as natural pinholes, creating crescent-shaped shadows.
Where to look: On the ground beneath trees with small leaves.
For serious observers, solar telescopes and filtered binoculars provide the best views. These require proper solar filters and should only be used by experienced observers.
Important: Always use filters designed specifically for solar observation.
During the partial phases (before and after totality), you must use proper eye protection at all times. Even when 99% of the Sun is covered, the remaining 1% is still bright enough to cause eye damage.
During the brief period of total eclipse, it's safe to look directly at the Sun without protection. This is the only time you can see the Sun's corona with the naked eye.
Know exactly when totality begins and ends in your location. Put your eclipse glasses back on immediately when the Sun begins to reappear.
Photographing the eclipse requires special precautions to protect both your eyes and your equipment.
Smartphones can capture the eclipse, but you still need to protect your eyes. Use eclipse glasses when positioning your phone and never look directly at the Sun through the screen.
Children require extra supervision during eclipse viewing. Make sure they understand the safety rules and always wear their eclipse glasses.
Ensure eclipse glasses fit properly on children's faces. Consider using solar viewers or pinhole projectors for very young children.
Teach children about the importance of eye safety and make sure they understand why they can't look at the Sun without protection.
If someone accidentally looks at the Sun and experiences eye pain or vision problems, seek medical attention immediately.
Have a backup plan for cloudy weather. Don't attempt to view the eclipse through clouds, as this can still be dangerous.
Eclipse viewing can attract large crowds. Be aware of your surroundings and have an exit plan in case of emergency.
Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun. They don't block the harmful infrared and ultraviolet radiation.
It's only safe to look without protection during the brief period of total eclipse. Before and after, you need proper eye protection.
Even a brief glance at the Sun can cause permanent eye damage. The damage may not be immediately apparent but can develop over time.
Even through clouds, the Sun's radiation can be harmful. Only view the eclipse when you have proper protection.
Purchase eclipse glasses and solar viewers from reputable sources such as:
Always verify that your equipment meets the ISO 12312-2 standard and comes from a reputable manufacturer.
For more detailed safety information, consult these resources:
Remember: Your safety is more important than seeing the eclipse. If you don't have proper protection, use indirect viewing methods or watch the eclipse online.