A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, briefly obscuring the Sun’s light. Looking directly at the partially or fully eclipsed Sun without specialized protection carries the risk of severe, permanent eye injury. The Sun’s radiation, even when partially blocked, remains intense enough to damage the retina. Adhering to safety protocols is necessary to prevent solar retinopathy, a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss.
Never View the Sun Without Certified Filters
Staring at the Sun, even briefly during a partial eclipse, can cause solar retinopathy. The Sun’s intense ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation burns the light-sensitive tissues of the retina. Since the retina lacks pain receptors, there is no immediate physical warning that damage is occurring. Damage to the photoreceptors can manifest hours later as blurred vision, a central blind spot, or distorted color perception.
The only safe way to look directly at the Sun is through specialized solar viewers that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. These certified filters are thousands of times darker than ordinary eyewear, blocking nearly 100% of harmful UV and IR light. Common household items offer no protection and must be avoided, including standard sunglasses, smoked glass, exposed film, photographic neutral-density filters, and Mylar balloons. Relying on makeshift filters exposes the eye to dangerous radiation.
Do Not Use Standard Optical Equipment
Magnification devices, such as binoculars, telescopes, or camera lenses, pose a greater danger because they concentrate the Sun’s light into a damaging beam. Using an unfiltered optical instrument will instantly focus solar energy onto the retina, causing severe injury. Even if a viewer wears certified eclipse glasses, the magnified light will burn straight through the filter and cause immediate harm.
Safe viewing through any optical equipment requires a specialized solar filter securely fastened over the front aperture of the device. This placement blocks the intense solar energy before it enters the lens system and is magnified. Attempting to use a camera’s optical viewfinder, even for a quick glance, can be disastrous. Unfiltered devices can also damage the internal components and sensors of digital cameras.
Avoid Compromising Your Protective Eyewear
The integrity and correct application of certified eclipse glasses are necessary for safety, requiring inspection before every use. Never use glasses that show signs of damage, such as punctures, tears, scratches, or wrinkles, as even a pinhole can cause retinal injury. Do not attempt to increase protection by stacking multiple pairs of eclipse glasses or combining them with regular sunglasses.
Eclipse glasses must be worn continuously during all partial phases of the eclipse, which can last for over an hour before and after totality. The only time to remove the eyewear is during the brief period of complete totality, when the Moon fully blocks the Sun’s bright surface. Viewers must immediately look away and replace their glasses the moment the slightest sliver of the Sun reappears.
Steer Clear of Environmental Distractions
Safety concerns during a solar eclipse include logistical and situational hazards, especially for those traveling to the path of totality. Drivers should not attempt to view the eclipse while operating a vehicle or pull over onto the shoulder of a highway. The sudden darkness and the unpredictable behavior of distracted drivers and pedestrians increase the risk of traffic incidents.
It is advisable to find a safe, designated parking spot well before the event begins and remain stationary until traffic disperses after the eclipse concludes. The sudden drop in light can confuse animals, prompting wildlife to behave as though it is twilight. Pets should be kept secured indoors during the event to prevent them from becoming stressed or disoriented by the unusual darkness and potential crowds.