A solar eclipse is a celestial phenomenon that occurs when the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun align – the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, perfectly blocking the Sun from sight.
Although the Sun’s bright face is completely shielded for a moment, it’s still unsafe to look at a solar eclipse without special eyewear designed for solar viewing. We don’t want you to miss this incredible astronomical moment, but viewing it with your naked eye will cause more harm than good. So, we’ve pulled together some bright ideas to help you view the next solar eclipse as safely as possible.
Can a Solar Eclipse Damage My Eyes?
Even 93 million miles away, we can still feel the sun’s strength. Have you ever used a magnifying glass to start a fire using just the sun’s rays? Well, like that magnifying glass, our eyes have lenses to. And by looking directly at a solar eclipse, you’re magnifying the sunlight onto the retina at the back of your eye. This can result in retina burns or eclipse blindness, which can cause permanent damage to your quality of sight. In worst cases, it can lead to blindness.
The scariest part? Our retinas have zero pain sensors. So, you won’t realise it’s happening until it’s too late. But, enough with the science – let’s talk about the ways you can view a solar eclipse safely!
Solar Viewing Glasses
Solar eclipse sunglasses, eclipses glasses or solar eclipse glasses – we don’t care what you call them, as long as you wear them when viewing a solar eclipse! These special types of glasses are designed specifically to protect your eyes from powerful and harmful UV rays. So, it’s essential that you invest in the real deal and look for solar viewing glasses that are CE and ISO certified.
Quick and Easy Viewing Techniques
There are many ways to enjoy the full spectrum of an eclipse without looking at it! By indirectly viewing the solar eclipse, you can still be a part of this momentous experience. Why not try…
Pinhole Projectors
You might remember this little technique from science lessons at school. But a pinhole protector lets you safely see the solar eclipse without looking directly at it. Here’s how you can make your pinhole projector:
- Source or make a long box.
- At one end, cut a one-inch hole in the box.
- Tape tinfoil over the hole and use a pin to poke a small hole into the centre of the foil.
- At the other end, cut a viewing hole in the side of the box.
- Cover the viewing hole with white paper – this will be your viewing screen.
- Looking at the viewing screen, move the foil end to face the sun and adjust until you see a round spot of light on your paper — that’s the sun, and that’s where you can view the eclipse!
Solar Eclipse Filters
These handy little filters are ideal add-ons to your glasses, binoculars, cameras or telescopes to keep your eyes protected. Often made from aluminised polyester film or black polymer, they’re designed to block sunlight and filter harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation from reaching your eyes. Securely attach them to the front of your glasses or equipment and capture the eclipse in action.
Top tips for solar eclipse filters:
- Purchase authentic solar eclipse filters.
- Check your filters for scratches, holes or torn edges – if damaged, discard them.
- Always buy genuine solar eclipse filters and follow the instructions.
- Turn away from the sun when removing filters – never remove them whilst looking at the sun.
Solar Eclipse Eye Safety
We don’t want to be party-poopers here, and viewing something as epic as a solar eclipse is a must! But there are ways to witness it safely and still feel a part of the experience. You should never look at a solar eclipse without specialised eye protection. But even if you choose to watch with eclipse sunglasses, a camera lens, binoculars or telescope, they all must have authentic and undamaged solar filters to prevent serious eye damage.
If you notice any of the following symptoms during or after the solar eclipse, we advise you to look away and seek medical treatment:
- Loss of vision
- Distorted vision
- Discolouration to vision
Enjoy Space at Its Best!
How often do we get to see a galactic occurrence from the comfort of our gardens? It’s certainly not one to miss! But we want you to enjoy the entire eclipse spectacle in the safest way possible. These tips should help you view a solar eclipse safely – allowing you to soak up the view while protecting your eyes at all times.
