Solar Viewing & Eclipse Safety

DO NOT look at the Sun without proper eclipse glasses, viewers, or solar filters!

Credit: NASA

A lunar eclipse is safe to view at any time. However, A SOLAR ECLIPSE IS NOT. It is NOT safe to look at the Sun without proper eye protection.

Always view a solar eclipse using reputable (ISO 12312-2 approved) eclipse glasses or viewers. You can also use something like a pin hole camera to cast the shadow of the Sun’s image on a surface. DO NOT use sunglasses.

Hold the eclipse glasses or viewer close to your eyes – NOT at arm’s length. DO NOT use them with binoculars or a telescope.

If viewing the Sun through a telescope, use a solar telescope or a reputable solar filter that completely and snugly fits over the front of the telescope.

  • DO NOT use a small filter that fits over the eyepiece.
  • DO NOT use eclipse glasses or viewers with your telescope.
  • DO NOT look through your finder unless it also has a full aperture solar filter.
  • It is best to remove or cover up your finder. Line up your telescope by looking back at its shadow and NOT forward directly at the Sun.

A solar eclipse can be viewed without eclipse glasses, viewers, or solar filters ONLY DURING TOTALITY. However, as soon as any light appears you MUST immediately use appropriate eye protection as noted above.

Always check your eclipse glasses, viewers, and filters for scratches, cracks, or damage – discard them if you find anything. Pay close attention to all safety information printed on these devices when viewing the Sun.

NASA Eclipse Safety Video
All About Eclipses

Please Note: FAS does not endorse or recommend any supplier of eclipse glasses, viewers, or solar filters – nor do we certify the safety of any available eclipse glasses or solar filters. We only provide information as is available on public websites.

References (Suppliers of Eclipse Glasses and Solar Filters)

References (Recommendations for Eclipse Glasses)

References (Pinhole Cameras)

References (Solar Viewing and Eclipse Safety)