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How to Safely Watch a Solar Eclipse
It is never safe to look directly at the sun's rays – even if the sun is partly obscured. When watching a partial eclipse you must wear eclipse glasses at all times if you want to face the sun, or use an alternate indirect method. This also applies during a total eclipse up until the time when the sun is completely and totally blocked.
During the short time when the moon completely obscures the sun – known as the period of totality – it is safe to look directly at the star, but it's crucial that you know when to take off and put back on your glasses.
First and foremost: Check for local information on timing of when the total eclipse will begin and end. NASA's page of eclipse times is a good place to start.
Second: The sun also provides important clues for when totality is about to start and end.
Learn more at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov
Find more videos about the solar ecilpse on the Sun Eclipse 2017 gallery page.
For More Information
Credits
Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Music Credit: Killer Tracks
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Science writer
- Sarah Frazier (SGT)
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Editor
- Jenny Hottle (NASA/GSFC)
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Producer
- Jenny Hottle (NASA/GSFC)
Series
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