1 00:00:06,373 --> 00:00:07,440 For many people, 2 00:00:07,440 --> 00:00:12,412 viewing a total solar eclipse in person is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 3 00:00:12,879 --> 00:00:16,182 But whether you're a first-time viewer or an avid eclipse chaser, 4 00:00:16,416 --> 00:00:18,985 solar eclipse safety is essential. 5 00:00:19,753 --> 00:00:22,389 It may be tempting to gaze directly at the Sun 6 00:00:22,389 --> 00:00:26,226 or to use your regular sunglasses during these celestial events – 7 00:00:26,292 --> 00:00:27,527 don’t! 8 00:00:27,527 --> 00:00:30,030 Regular sunglasses aren't good enough. 9 00:00:30,030 --> 00:00:34,267 You need proper, solar-safe viewing glasses, or an indirect viewing method, 10 00:00:34,434 --> 00:00:36,870 whenever the bright face of the Sun is visible. 11 00:00:37,937 --> 00:00:41,941 The only time you can look at a total solar eclipse without eye protection 12 00:00:41,941 --> 00:00:46,012 is during the brief period of totality when the Moon completely covers the Sun. 13 00:00:47,347 --> 00:00:50,417 Viewing any part of the Sun's bright disk without protection, 14 00:00:50,683 --> 00:00:54,754 even for a short amount of time, could cause serious eye damage. 15 00:00:55,288 --> 00:00:57,957 One of the most common methods used to view a solar 16 00:00:57,957 --> 00:01:02,462 eclipse is with solar viewing glasses, also known as eclipse glasses. 17 00:01:02,562 --> 00:01:06,132 Eclipse glasses are specifically made to protect your eyes from the Sun's 18 00:01:06,132 --> 00:01:09,436 intense rays and are different from ordinary sunglasses. 19 00:01:10,003 --> 00:01:13,473 Before using any eclipse or solar viewing glasses, 20 00:01:13,573 --> 00:01:16,176 check that they are ISO certified. 21 00:01:16,176 --> 00:01:18,878 If your eclipse glasses appear scratched or damaged, 22 00:01:18,878 --> 00:01:22,749 do not use them as this could result in serious eye injury. 23 00:01:22,982 --> 00:01:27,353 Another easy way to safely view a solar eclipse is with pinhole projection. 24 00:01:27,420 --> 00:01:31,024 This is useful if you don't have access to eclipse glasses or other safe 25 00:01:31,024 --> 00:01:35,562 solar filters, and offers an easy way to quickly view the magic of the eclipse. 26 00:01:36,096 --> 00:01:39,399 There are several techniques you can choose from for this viewing method. 27 00:01:39,666 --> 00:01:43,503 The simplest is to use your hands. With your back to the Sun, 28 00:01:43,503 --> 00:01:48,808 cross one hand over the other with outstretched fingers to create a waffle pattern. 29 00:01:48,908 --> 00:01:50,944 Look at your hands’ shadow on the ground. 30 00:01:50,944 --> 00:01:54,314 The little spaces between your fingers will project a grid of small 31 00:01:54,314 --> 00:01:58,284 images of the Sun – showing the Sun's crescent shape during the eclipse. 32 00:01:59,586 --> 00:02:01,387 You can also see a similar effect 33 00:02:01,387 --> 00:02:04,757 as the Sun shines through holes formed between tree leaves. 34 00:02:04,858 --> 00:02:07,994 The tiny spaces between the leaves act as pinhole projectors, 35 00:02:08,261 --> 00:02:10,930 scattering images of the Sun on the ground! 36 00:02:11,297 --> 00:02:14,200 Anything with small holes, like a hole-punched index card 37 00:02:14,200 --> 00:02:17,203 or even a colander from your kitchen, will work too. 38 00:02:17,403 --> 00:02:20,306 If you're feeling crafty, you can build a box pinhole viewer! 39 00:02:20,874 --> 00:02:24,010 Using everyday household items, this method streams sunlight 40 00:02:24,010 --> 00:02:25,712 through a pin-sized hole to project 41 00:02:25,712 --> 00:02:29,549 an image of the Sun onto a white sheet of paper taped inside the box. 42 00:02:29,949 --> 00:02:33,720 The longer the box, the bigger your image of the Sun will be. 43 00:02:33,786 --> 00:02:37,157 For an even bigger image, you can use optical projection. 44 00:02:37,257 --> 00:02:41,661 This viewing method uses a telescope or binoculars, affixed with a solar filter, 45 00:02:41,794 --> 00:02:45,131 to project the image of the Sun onto a large viewing surface. 46 00:02:45,565 --> 00:02:48,801 This method creates a bigger, brighter and sharper image that 47 00:02:48,801 --> 00:02:51,137 many people can view at the same time. 48 00:02:51,137 --> 00:02:51,871 However, 49 00:02:51,871 --> 00:02:55,742 you should not attempt optical projection unless you are an experienced astronomer 50 00:02:55,742 --> 00:02:58,344 and can supervise your equipment at all times. 51 00:02:59,045 --> 00:03:03,883 Want a closer look? When using a telescope, binoculars, or other optical device, 52 00:03:03,983 --> 00:03:07,620 you must first install a certified solar filter to the front of your instrument – 53 00:03:07,820 --> 00:03:10,990 eclipse glasses can't be used with these devices. 54 00:03:11,524 --> 00:03:15,061 The certified solar filters block most of the sunlight before it enters 55 00:03:15,061 --> 00:03:19,299 the device, safely giving the operator a front-row seat to see the eclipse 56 00:03:19,299 --> 00:03:21,034 in even more detail. 57 00:03:21,034 --> 00:03:26,406 Experiencing a solar eclipse is one way everyone can participate in NASA science. 58 00:03:26,406 --> 00:03:29,409 Now you have the knowledge to participate safely. 59 00:03:29,609 --> 00:03:30,977 Happy eclipse viewing!