Safety Information
Do you need special eyewear to look at the solar eclipse?
YES! You will need solar eclipse glasses to safely watch the eclipse. The April 8, 2024 eclipse is a total eclipse, which means that if you are watching from the path of totality, for a few minutes the moon will completely obscure the sun. However, you will need eclipse glasses to safely view the sun before and after the eclipse reaches totality–as the moon moves in front of the sun and then away from it. If you are not in the path of totality, you will need eclipse glasses at all times to safely view the eclipse. You will not be able to safely view this eclipse without using eyewear that is safe for direct observation of the sun.
What eyewear is safe for viewing a solar eclipse?
You should have eyewear that:
- Has been certified to be compliant with ISO 12312-2
- Is manufactured by a reputable company
- Is new and undamaged
ISO 12312-2 is a widely-adopted and recognized safety standard for sunglasses and related eyewear for direct observation of the sun.
All of the solar eclipse glasses sold by eclipselook.com are compliant with ISO 12312-2 and other international standards for safe viewing of the sun. They are made in the U.S.A. by either Rainbow Symphony or American Paper Optics (eclipseglasses.com), both of which are top, trusted manufacturers of safe solar eclipse glasses and head the American Astronomical Society’s list of suppliers of safe solar viewers and filters. We’ll make our invoices from these manufacturers or their resellers available for you to check at the time of purchase.
The American Astronomical Society has detailed information about choosing safe eyewear to watch eclipses:
How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely
About the ISO 12312-2 Standard for Solar Viewers
Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers
How do I properly use solar eclipse glasses?
Solar eclipse glasses are only safe when used in accordance with the instructions that are printed on them. They shouldn’t be scratched, have holes, or be otherwise damaged, and they should completely cover the eyes.
Wear eclipse glasses over your eyes any time you look directly at the sun or any part of the sun. Put on the glasses while looking away from the sun, and only look at the sun after ensuring that the glasses fit securely in place and shield both eyes. After viewing the sun, look away from the sun before removing the glasses–do not remove them while looking at the sun. Wind or other conditions may require that you hold the glasses in place with your hands while observing the sun. Children should use eclipse glasses only with close adult supervision.
Eclipse glasses that conform to ISO 12312-2 are for DIRECT observation of the sun. Do not use them with telescopes, binoculars, or cameras. The magnification of the sun through such devices could cause more sunlight to enter the eye than these eclipse glasses are intended to block.
IF ECLIPSE GLASSES ARE DAMAGED, DO NOT USE THEM. DISCARD THEM IMMEDIATELY SO THAT NOBODY CAN USE THEM. USE OF DAMAGED ECLIPSE GLASSES OR OTHER IMPROPER USE CAN RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY TO THE EYES.