HOW TO SAFELY VIEW A SOLAR ECLIPSE
Observing partial and annular solar eclipses requires specialized eye protection. The sun can only be viewed safely when the harmful portions of sunlight are properly filtered. Standard sunglasses are insufficient for this purpose. However, certified solar filters designed and manufactured to appropriate standards can be safe for directly viewing a solar eclipse.
The safest method for viewing the sun is projection. This technique involves projecting an image of the sun onto a white surface using binoculars, a telescope, or a cardboard box with a pinhole approximately 1mm in diameter in the bottom. The projected image of the sun can then be viewed safely. This method is gaining traction as a readily available way to experience the event without specialized equipment.
During a partial eclipse, a dimming of the surrounding environment may be noticeable depending on the extent of the sun’s coverage. However, the solar corona will not be visible. A noticeable dimming of daylight can be observed when approximately two-thirds or more of the sun is obscured.
