Solar Eclipse Glasses: How to Safely Use for Viewing the Sun

Eclipse Glasses, Solar Eclipse Glasses, Solar Eclipse Glasses Safety, Solar Eclipse Safety Glasses, How to Safely Watch The Solar Eclipse

Getty To view the upcoming total solar eclipse on August 21 eye protection is essential.

August 21, 2017 is the solar eclipse that people across America have been waiting for. Though not everyone will get to see the eclipse in totality, it’s still important to wear the proper safety glasses, even if you are viewing the eclipse in its partial state. First and foremost, be sure that you have glasses that are compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. For a list of reputable brands and retailers selling the proper safety eyewear for the eclipse, click here. Four brands that meet the proper requirements for safety are Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17.

In preparation for the event, NASA has issued a safety warning and guidelines for how to safely view the eclipse. Here’s a rundown of safety tips for using your eclipse eyewear:

– You must have the proper safety glasses. Anything that is homemade or even just ordinary sunglasses, are not safe to use.

– If there are any scratches or damages to the lenses or solar filter of the glasses, do not use them.

– Supervise children using eyewear to view the eclipse.

– “Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright Sun. After
glancing at the Sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the Sun.” – Nasa

– Do not look at the eclipse through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or additional optical devices, even when wearing the proper eclipse glasses.

And, for those in the path of totality for the Eclipse, Nasa’s instructions are:

If you are within the path of totality, remove your solar filter only when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright Sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to glance at the remaining partial phases.

So, tomorrow, remember to view the eclipse safely and beware of fake or faulty glasses.


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