When eclipse glasses are required
Wear proper solar viewers during the partial phases before and after totality. If you are outside the path of totality, there is no safe unfiltered viewing interval because some of the bright solar photosphere remains visible throughout the event.
Annular eclipse: keep solar viewers on
During the February 6, 2027 annular eclipse, the Moon never covers the bright solar photosphere completely. Even during the ring phase, proper solar viewers remain necessary for direct viewing. There is no safe naked-eye annularity interval.
When you can look without a solar viewer
Only observers inside the path of a total solar eclipse get a brief interval when the Moon completely blocks the Sun's bright face. For the August 2, 2027 eclipse, remove solar viewers only when totality has actually begun at your exact location. Put them back on as soon as any bright part of the Sun reappears.
Choose solar viewers carefully
For direct, unmagnified viewing, look for products that conform to the ISO 12312-2 standard and buy from a source you can verify. A printed ISO claim by itself is not proof. The American Astronomical Society maintains a list of suppliers whose products have been reviewed for safe solar viewing.
Inspect viewers before use
Do not use a viewer that is torn, punctured, scratched or otherwise damaged. Supervise children. Put the viewer over your eyes before looking toward the Sun, and turn away before removing it.
Cameras, binoculars and telescopes need front-mounted filters
Do not look through unfiltered optics while wearing eclipse glasses. Concentrated sunlight from a lens, binocular or telescope can damage the viewer and your eyes. Optical devices need a special-purpose solar filter securely fitted over the front aperture or lens. Filters that attach at the eyepiece are unsafe.
Indirect viewing is another option
Pinhole projection and other indirect methods let you watch the changing solar shape without looking directly at the Sun. They are useful for children, groups and anyone who does not have a verified direct-viewing filter.
Plan safety for the exact location
Use Eclipse Finder to see whether your coordinate is total or partial. If it is partial, solar viewers remain necessary for direct viewing throughout the eclipse. If it is total, know the calculated C2 and C3 times but continue to use your own visual confirmation and current expert guidance on eclipse day.
If you are unsure, do not improvise
If you cannot verify a viewer or filter, use a safe indirect method instead of looking directly at the Sun. Do not rely on a homemade dark material, ordinary sunglasses or an unknown filter simply because the Sun looks comfortable through it.
Authoritative safety references
NASA eclipse viewing safety · AAS: how to tell if solar viewers are safe · AAS suppliers of safe solar viewers and filters
Report a safety-content problem
If this page appears inconsistent with current NASA or AAS guidance, email contact@eclipsewayfinder.com with the page section and the current reference. Also read the site disclaimer for the limits of planning and safety information.