12 Essential Safety Tips for an Unforgettable Solar Eclipse Experience
Ready to witness one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles? A solar eclipse is a rare event that draws crowds from around the globe, uniting us all in wonder. However, it's crucial to ensure you're watching it safely to protect your eyes and still enjoy the experience fully. Here are 12 Solar Eclipse Safety Tips to help you watch a solar eclipse without putting your peepers at risk:
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, a chemical formulator, chemist, pharmacist, or any other licensed health professional. This is not medical advice and if you choose to use this information, you do so at your own risk.
*This post may contain affiliate links and I’ll earn a commission if you shop through them. You can read my full disclosure here.
- Use Solar Viewing Glasses: Invest in ISO-certified solar viewing glasses. These aren't your typical sunglasses; they're made specifically to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays during an eclipse. While the paper ones are perfectly fine, for this solar eclipse I purchased these for my family.
2. Never Look Directly at the Sun Without Protection: Even when the sun is partially obscured, its rays can cause serious eye damage. Always, always, always wear your solar glasses when looking up.
3. Watch Out for Fakes: Be cautious of counterfeit solar glasses. Purchase from reputable vendors and check for the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
4. Pinhole Projectors: These DIY projectors are a safe, indirect way to view the eclipse. They project the image of the sun onto a surface, so you're not looking at the sun itself. You can find out how to make a pinhole projector here.
5. Use Solar Filters on Binoculars, Telescopes, or Cameras: If you plan to use any of these devices, make sure they have the proper solar filters. Viewing through devices without filters, even with solar glasses, can cause severe eye damage.
6. Avoid, i.e., DO NOT USE Regular Sunglasses: Even very dark ones aren't safe for looking at the sun. They don't offer the necessary eye protection for this event.
7. Supervise Children: Ensure that kids understand the importance of never looking directly at the sun and that they keep their solar viewing glasses on at all times.
8. Be Cautious with Viewing Screens: If you're using a camera, a telescope, or binoculars with a digital screen, it's safe to view the eclipse through the screen, but direct observation through the device, without a proper filter, is dangerous.
9. Check the Weather: Overcast conditions can obscure your view, but don't be tempted to peek at the sun if it briefly appears through the clouds without your protective glasses.
10. Plan Ahead: Know the timing of the eclipse phases in your area so you can be prepared and not caught off-guard.
11. Take Breaks: If you're planning to watch the eclipse for its entire duration, give your eyes rest periods by taking breaks from looking at the sun.
12. Enjoy the Community Experience: Share the event with friends and family. Experiencing a solar eclipse can be a profound moment of connection with those around you.
As the eclipse approaches, remember these tips to keep your eyes safe and the experience enjoyable. Watching a solar eclipse is a rare opportunity to see our universe in motion. So, grab your solar glasses, maybe a chair, and settle in for the show. After the spectacle, share your experience! It's these shared moments of wonder that bring us all a little closer.
Stay safe and enjoy the marvel that is a solar eclipse!
