Solar Eclipse Safety: Protect Your Eyes on 12 August 2026

Safety first

Solar eclipse safety: protect your eyes at every partial phase

A solar eclipse is compelling because the Sun is still dangerous to look at directly. Treat safe viewing as part of the event, not an optional accessory.

Never view the partially eclipsed Sun without proper solar protection. Ordinary sunglasses are not solar filters. Do not use improvised materials or unfiltered cameras, binoculars or telescopes.

Safe viewing essentials

Use a purpose-made solar viewer or eclipse glasses intended for direct solar observation.
Inspect filters before use. Do not use damaged, scratched or punctured viewers.
Put on your viewer before looking up. Turn away before removing it.
Supervise children closely.
Use a suitable solar filter on cameras, binoculars and telescopes; do not look through unfiltered optics.

What changes during totality?

Inside the path of totality, only during the brief period when the Sun is completely covered, it can be safe to view the eclipse without a solar viewer. That moment is location-specific and short. As soon as any bright part of the Sun reappears, put protection back on or look away. Outside totality—including a 99% partial eclipse—keep protection on whenever looking at the Sun.

For schools, families and public events

Count and inspect viewers in advance. Give a simple demonstration. Assign adults to observe the observing, not merely the sky. Have a clear stop rule for clouds, damaged viewers, excitement around equipment or any unsafe behaviour.

For official safety guidance, consult a recognised astronomy or public-health authority before publishing event instructions or selling viewing equipment.