To safely view a solar eclipse, never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. The sun's rays can cause serious and permanent eye damage, even during an eclipse.
Here's how to stay safe:
Use Certified Eclipse Glasses or Solar Viewers
- Eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers are the only safe ways to look directly at the sun during an eclipse.
- These filters are specifically designed to block harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
- Always check that your eclipse glasses or viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. This ensures that they are certified and safe for viewing the sun.
Indirect Viewing Methods
- Pinhole projection: Create a small hole in a piece of cardboard and project the sun's image onto another piece of cardboard.
- Use binoculars or a telescope to project the sun's image onto a white surface. Never look directly through binoculars or a telescope at the sun without proper solar filters.
Additional Safety Tips
- Don't use regular sunglasses, smoked glass, or any other homemade filters. These are not safe for viewing the sun.
- Supervise children closely. Make sure they are using certified eclipse glasses or viewers and are not looking directly at the sun.
- Take breaks. Don't stare at the eclipse for too long. Give your eyes a rest every few minutes.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy the spectacular sight of a solar eclipse without risking your eyesight.
