FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Eye Protection
Is it safe to look at the eclipse with my naked eye as long as its only for a second?
Is it safe to go outside during an eclipse if I don’t look at it?
Can I use welding goggles to view the eclipse?
Are my glasses real?
No. Even if the sun is 99% covered, the amount of light is enough to damage your eyes. While you will likely not suffer permanent damage from a brief glance, you should try to find approved eclipse glasses to safely observe the sun.
Is there an even safer way to view the eclipse?
Yes. It is a common misconception that an eclipse strengthens the light of the sun. If you do not look at the eclipse, you are not at risk. Pets are also safe outside.
Likely no. Most welding goggles do not sufficiently protect your eyes from sun damage. While some lenses are dark enough, they are not rated for this type of usage and you are risking your eyesight. You should try to find approved eclipse glasses to safely observe the sun.
Likely yes, but you can check to make sure. If you received them from a library, observatory, or other nonprofit, the glasses are almost certainly safe. If you do not know where they came from, you should check to make sure they are marked “ISO 12312-2” compliant.
If you use them indoors, you should not be able to see anything except a very faint spot of very bright lightbulbs.
Remember never to use glasses with holes in them.
For a list of known safe brands, click here.
Yes. A local astronomy organization or observatory might be having a viewing event during which you can use a professional telescope. You can also view an eclipse using a pinhole camera (Instructions can be found online).
If neither of these are options, go outside and stand under a tree. As the eclipse reaches totality, you can see the shape of the sun in the shadows of the leaves.
Remember to look up during totality! It is completely safe as long as the moon is entirely in front of the sun, and you don’t want to miss the corona!