A solar eclipse is an incredible sight, but it’s important to enjoy it safely. Looking directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse or through cloud cover, can cause serious and permanent damage to your eyes.
The good news is there are plenty of safe ways to experience the eclipse. From certified eclipse glasses to simple viewing methods you can try at home, here’s everything you need to know to watch safely and make the most of the event.
Here's how to enjoy the eclipse safely.
The eclipse takes place in August, so there's a better chance of clear skies than you'd expect in autumn or winter. That said, you still need to take precautions even if it's cloudy. Cloud cover does not make it safe to look at the Sun.
Why is watching a solar eclipse risky?
During an eclipse, the Sun appears dimmer than usual. This makes it easier to look at directly - and that's precisely the problem. The reduced brightness can override the body's natural reflex to look away, allowing intense sunlight to reach and damage the retina. This damage happens without causing any pain, so you may not realise harm is occurring until it's too late.
Can I just wear sunglasses?
Ordinary sunglasses - no matter how dark - do not provide adequate protection for viewing a solar eclipse. They reduce glare, making it feel more comfortable to look at the Sun for longer, while still allowing harmful solar radiation to reach the retina. Never use regular sunglasses to look at the Sun during an eclipse.
How can I watch the eclipse safely?
There are 2 safe approaches: specialist eclipse viewers, or indirect viewing methods.
If you want to use eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, make sure they are genuine eclipse glasses with specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). Genuine eclipse glasses are available from reputable retailers, including Royal Museums Greenwich. Be cautious of products sold online that may not meet this requirement. If you're unsure whether a product is certified, don't use it. Don't use eclipse glasses if the lenses are scratched, torn or damaged.
Alternatively, you can watch the eclipse indirectly without any specialist equipment at all. Safe options include:
a pinhole viewer, which you can easily make at home, viewing the Sun's image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves projecting the Sun's image onto a sheet of paper using a simple pinhole projector
Whichever method you choose, make sure you follow guidance carefully. The Royal Astronomical Society has published detailed, practical advice on all of these approaches.