Safety

A total solar eclipse is about as bright as the full moon — and just as safe to look at. But the sun at any other time is dangerously bright; view it only through special-purpose “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products.

Photo courtesy of American Astronomical Society / Paul Deans

The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters. Use “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers to look at the eclipse. Read about viewing safety and viewing myths.