The total solar eclipse is on April 8th, and millions of people from Texas to Maine preparing for the once-in-a-lifetime event will want to ensure they enjoy it safely.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, completely blocking the Sun’s face for up to several minutes.
Here are some things you don’t want to do during the eclipse.Except for the lucky people in the path of totality, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without the proper eye protection – and sunglasses won’t cut it.
To safely view the total solar eclipse in 2024, you’ll need glasses with solar filters, also known as “eclipse glasses,” or with handheld solar viewers. According to the American Astronomical Society, those glasses or handheld solar viewers need to meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for direct Sun viewing.
Only when the Sun is covered completely will it be safe to remove eclipse glasses, and they must go back on before the partial eclipse resumes and portions of the Sun become visible again. Even if clouds obstruct your view during the April 8 total solar eclipse, special glasses or handheld viewers still need to be used. Cloud cover is not enough to protect your eyesight from the Sun’s rays.
