Safety

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Safety

It is never safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. It is best to use ISO 12312-2 international standard Eclipse Glasses or Handheld Solar Viewers.

Eye Safety for Total Solar Eclipses

Below are some helpful tips to follow during a total solar eclipse.

  • View the Sun through eclipse or a handheld solar viewer during the eclipse phases before and after totality.
  • You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the Moon completely obscures the Sun's bright face - during the brief and spectacular period known as totality. (You'll know it's safe when you can no longer see any part of the Sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)
  • As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright Sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the Sun.
  • How Can You Tell If Your Eclipse Glasses or Handheld Solar Viewers Are Safe?

 

Skin Safety

During a partial or annular eclipse, or during the partial phases of a total eclipse, the Sun will still very bright.  If you are watching an entire eclipse, you may be in direct sunlight for hours. Remember to wear sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing to prevent skin damage.

Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun

Crowd Safety

Here are some helpful tips for navigating large crowds.

  • Keep an eye on your children.
  • Dress your group alike or in bright colored or unique clothing.
  • Before leaving your home, take a photo of your child with a camera or a phone. If you become separated, you will have and up to date photo of your child and what he or she was wearing to give to first responders.
  • Pick a safe place to meet incase you become separated.
  • Remind your children of the phrase, "stranger, danger" and show them what a police officer would like like for help.
  • Place your phone number in your child's pocket in case you become separated
  • Make sure your phone is fully charged and on.