WEBVTT FILE 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!